Two Lynbrook Schools Collect 'Pennies for Patients'

Students and staff at Lynbrook South Middle and Waverly Park schools had a positive impact on the lives of blood cancer patients when they took part in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients program.

They joined 300 schools across Long Island in a program that has been instrumental in raising funds for lifesaving cancer research.

A representative from the LLS visited the school on March 14 to help the students learn about leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers. Community service and fundraising were also discussed with the students.

From March 18-22, students and staff members made donations to LLS. To inspire their fellow students, Peer Leadership members made thermometers that were hung in the back of the lunch room to record how much each grade had collected each day.

At the end of the week, students and staff had collected $746.80 in quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies.

The Waverly Park Student Council organized the Pennies for Patients initiative at their school, raising more than $800.00.

The fundraiser provided the students and faculty with the opportunity to learn about service, leadership and philanthropy. More importantly, through their donations, they helped make a significant impact on the lives of patients currently fighting these diseases.

Guidance counselor Jennifer Arena and teacher James Fanning organized the event.