Brown Elementary in Hilliard, Ohio, has participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Pennies for Patients campaign for 12 years! We participate in this program for many reasons. We have many students and staff members that are affected by cancer. Many years ago a fifth grade Student Council member brought up at a meeting that a family member had passed away from cancer and said he wanted to do something to help others with cancer. As a group, the school decided to help. That first year, the school donated around $500 and wasn't even officially signed up for Pennies. Now, after eleven campaigns, the school has donated over $143,000 for LLS!

Our entire student body, staff and community gets involved with the campaign. They receive donations from across the country! The students learn about blood cancers and the importance of helping others. The staff has seen a huge benefit in their students from participating in this campaign. They really begin to have empathy toward other and think about others and how they can help.

The students at Brown start collecting for the following year the day the campaign ends. Students are very motivated to help others. Students shovel snow, rake leaves, help around the house, help others, juggle and perform, send letters to friends and family, and much more. Students tell their parents they want to donate birthday money toward the campaign or find other ways to collect.

The students have a great time working hard to donate money toward this important cause while also having fun! The school has spirit weeks, a $100 Club luncheon, a Pennies pancake breakfast, and much more! At the end of the campaign the school hosts a fun assembly where teachers and students celebrate the money donated with a color run, getting slimed, having pies thrown in their faces, being silly stringed, and more!

The students look forward to this campaign every year, and especially to helping other children to fight cancer! The school is very excited to have donated over $23,000 last year and can't wait to get started for this year!