Elwood 5th Graders Raise $800 For Make-A-Wish Foundation

ELWOOD, NY — Fifth graders in Marsha McLeod’s class at Elwood’s James H. Boyd Intermediate School raised $831.26 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during their annual annual Adopt-a-Charity raffle project, the Elwood School District announced.

In the initiative, which McLeod began about four years ago, the students sold raffle tickets and prizes to their fellow Boyd students.

"About 20 years ago, my students, parents and I hosted an annual Adopt-a-Family initiative," McLeod said. "COVID contributed to the elimination of our major Popcorn Sale fundraiser. As a result, a pivot was necessary, and Adopt-a-Charity was created. My hope is that a philanthropic seed will be planted in my students, which in turn will motivate them to be cognizant of the needs of others in the future."

The class researched and selected three possible charities and created slideshows about them to present to the entire class for a vote on which would be the final recipient of the donations.

"I really like this project because it's important that we're helping people in need," student Finn Borg said.

Student Victoria Risani said the raffle is "really fun and exciting for everyone," as well as a good learning experience.

Giulina Lanzetti called the project "amazing."

"I just know that when the chosen charity gets the money, they are going to be very happy for the kids that need it," Giulina said.