PHARR – Over the course of three weeks, 14 PSJA ISD elementary campuses helped raise more than $16,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the Pennies for Patients fundraising campaign.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients is a science-based, service-learning program, where teachers can incorporate a Kinder through 8th grade STEM+ curriculum activities into their classrooms, including ready-to-use materials and social and emotional learning. During the program, students collected donations from friends and family in honor of local student survivors and current blood cancer patients.
Through their hard work and dedication in just three weeks, 14 PSJA elementary campuses were able to raise a combined $16,945 that will go toward cancer research, patient support and advocacy.
“It makes my heart rejoice knowing that our campuses participate in programs that help teach our children about being kind and compassionate,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “These campuses prove that our PSJA Family is always willing to help others in need.”
The following are the district’s top five performing campuses, according to the South Texas/RGV Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
1. Farias Elementary Raised $6,953.45 Coordinator: Yolanda Gonzalez
2. Kelly-Pharr Elementary Raised $1,558.82 Coordinator: Bianca Garcia
3. Henry Ford Elementary Raised $1,509.50 Coordinator: Dalinda Fuentes
4. Berta Palacios Elementary Raised $1,458.69 Coordinator: Edith Lopez
5. Marcia Garza Elementary Raised $1,215.92 Coordinator: Claudia Garcia
The top performing campus at PSJA ISD during this campaign was Farias Elementary. The campus started the fundraiser with a goal of raising $5,000, but went on to surpass that as campus staff, families and community members worked together to encourage students to take on the role of young entrepreneurs by setting up areas around the school to sell items and do their part in giving back.
“Students do look forward to incentives, but the main reason this was a success is because students at Farias have a large heart,” said Farias Elementary Principal Leticia Rodriguez. “Any student will tell you, ‘We want to help a child with Leukemia.’ They really want to make a change and help make a difference.”
To learn more about Pennies for Patients or to donate, visit penniesforpatients.org.
