Published: December 04, 2008 04:38 pm         

Elementary students collect pennies for people

Cleburne ISD elementary students are doing their part to raise funds for Johnson County’s 23 United Way agencies — penny by penny.

Marti, Santa Fe, Irving and Coleman Elementaries are among the area schools participating in United Way’s Pennies for People project, as “junior” contributors to the 2008 campaign.

“These are the most selfless children ever,” said Santa Fe Principal Susie Sarchet, whose students are among the top contributors in the Pennies for People effort, raising $846.20 for United Way.

“They will give or do for anybody, even when it’s a challenge,” Sarchet said. “Honestly, our children are very caring, they are very giving, and they are so appreciative. They are absolutely precious.”

To date, more than $4,000 has been raised by Cleburne and Johnson County students, with several Pennies for People projects still under way.

“Their pennies have a great impact on the funds we are trying to raise,” said Dianne Packwood, executive director of United Way of Johnson County. “These students know their contributions are helping others in many ways.”

Coleman students’ penny campaign resulted in $372.74. Marti Elementary’s Pennies for People drive, which was organized by the student council, raised $647.03, and Irving Elementary students contributed $720.22.

“Coleman students were collecting school supplies for an elementary school in Galveston that was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike at the same time they were conducting their penny drive,” Packwood said. “Other campuses were participating in canned food drives for local agencies that provided assistance to hurricane victims.

“It’s very inspiring and moving to witness the generosity of these children.”

Also involved in the 2008 Pennies for People project are Godley Middle School students, who raised $598.40; Joshua’s Elder Elementary, whose student body collected $470.06; and students at Burleson’s Brock Elementary, which brought in 6,848 pennies for United Way.

     

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