JCES collects $3,400 for Pennies for Patients

Representatives from the top two classes at Jenkins County Elementary School collecting the most money for the Pennies for Patients program are, from left, first row: Tyriq Carrie, Will Finch, Wilkes Black, Mi'Kayla Reese, Ty'kese Green, Shermya Hamilton and Brooke Aaron; and second row: Dr. Judy Holton, Niya Adams, Emily Hill, Tyler McMillan, Mrs. Eleanor Jackson and Ms. Brittany Burke. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

Jenkins County Elementary School (JCES) is one of the 20,000 schools nationwide collecting pennies for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's School and Youth Program. The goal of this program is to show children that they can make a difference.

The generosity of both students and faculty/staff has been tremendous at JCES. Students gave generously and unselfishly as they donated change they had been collecting in their piggy banks to buy something special for themselves. In just three short weeks, JCES collected over $3,400.

Dr. Judy Holton, principal, noted that she appreciates the value of having students work with the goal of helping others.

"This is a wonderful program for us to take part in, and the expected results of our students' efforts will benefit an outstanding organization. Through this program, our students learn that by working together, we can make a difference for children less fortunate than us and who are dealing with leukemia and/ or lymphoma," she said.

The money collected will be used to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and for patient services. JCES students are to be commended for their efforts and giving spirits.