Pennies for Patients is more than just a cardboard box in homeroom.
It is part of the School and Youth Programs segment of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that has raised more than $200 million in sixteen years. This massive amount has come purely from the participation of millions of schools across the nation, including Southern Lehigh High School. The project is run by National Honor Society (NHS).
“Regardless of the amount of change donated, any contribution makes a big difference, and I am grateful that we are able to raise money for the society,” junior and vice president of the NHS Pennies for Patients committee Ashley Zamichieli said. “Pennies for Patients is a campaign that really shows the compassion both the students and teachers share for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.”
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society created its branch of School and Youth Programs to foster an environment of community service among students through service projects such as Pennies for Patients, Pasta for Pennies, and HOP for Leukemia. The collective action of students can provide financial aid for solutions to many diseases.
“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the largest voluntary cancer research agency specifically focused on finding cures and better treatments for blood cancer patients,” The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s website states. “LLS funds hundreds of promising researchers at leading cancer centers and universities worldwide.”
Southern Lehigh’s Pennies for Patients program will run thanks to the time put in by National Honor Society members. Members of NHS have signed up for different tasks, and the building has been divided into zones for efficient collection. The board of student officers will oversee collection and general organization as well as promotion for the campaign within the high school.
“My job is to help organize the program with the other officers and create methods of advertising through flyers, commercials, and more,” junior and public relations co-officer Abbey Cerciello said. “The boxes are then collected by NHS students, who sort and count the money.”
The High School’s participation in Pennies for Patients will last until February 28th. Collection will take place on Fridays by NHS collectors and “zone leaders” who will oversee collection. A bagel breakfast will be given to the homeroom that collects the most money by the 28th. The NHS hopes to surpass its total of approximately $1,600 raised last year.
“I consider Pennies for Patients to be an outstanding organization that raises a lot of money for a great campaign and purpose,” junior and president of the Pennies for Patients NHS committee Justin Qian said. “I feel very privileged to be the president of the organization, and I hope we will be able to raise a lot of money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society this year.”
Update: Due to the number of snow days, NHS is extending the Pennies for Patients drive through March 14th.
