By Jolene Farley
Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary students participated in Pennies for Patients, a program that benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The program raises money for leukemia research and patient aid in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Students were encouraged to bring their pennies Feb. 6 through Feb. 23 to their classrooms at H-BC.
Student Council members presented information at Lift Off, the weekly school meeting, to help students understand the diseases the program helps combat.
H-BC students collected $321 in pennies. Sixth-graders qualified for a pizza party by collecting the most donations, more than $100.
In 2000, Minnesota schools collected more than $240,000 - all in pennies - for Pennies for Patients. These dollars helped several patients in Minnesota.
Sponsors of the statewide program are WCCO Radio and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
On March 9, WCCO will announce on the air the 10 schools in the state that collected the most money.
Each school that collects more than $400 in pennies will celebrate with a pizza party for the room that contributed the most.
Each H-BC class set a goal, and those who reached their goals received rewards.
Council members pictured above are: (back, left) Brandon Boeve, Amanda Tilstra, Ashley Hoyme, Adam Finke, Thomas Scholten, Aleesa Arends, (front, left) Meagan Stueven, Rosie Aristeo, Leah Hup, Joel Van Batavia, Grant Hoogendorn.