(above) Kindergarten student, Hailey Jurista dressed as an ALT superhero.
Pennies For Patients
Submitted by Shannon Regan
For many years Angelo L. Tomaso (ALT) School has been recognized as a top supporter of the Pennies For Patients program through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevents the students from fundraising in person it won’t stop their efforts to help make a difference.
As a science-based service-learning program, Pennies for Patients connects schools with local blood cancer patients, provides tangible life skills to participants, and allows students to see the impact they’re making in the lives of others.
Through a coordinated effort between Ms. Christine Smith, ALT principal, Mrs. Nancy Andrews, grade 5 teacher, and the LLS foundation, students will be participating in a series of fun activities throughout this experience. For example, students were provided with instructions on how to create their very own superhero costume.
Collectively, the school has raised thousands of dollars over the years and their goal is to continue to support LLS this spring with a significant donation. “Our school and families have made tremendous donations to help children fighting cancer and blood disorders. Each year, it is my students’ favorite philanthropic endeavor in the ALT Gives Back program,” added Andrews. This opportunity comes at a great time as students are home and able to pick up extra chores around the house to raise money to donate.
On May 18, 2020, both Smith and Andrews attended the Pennies For Patients’ virtual Awards Celebration in honor of their commitment to LLS while also representing ALT.
“As the building principal, it always makes me proud to witness the empathy of the ALT students and parents shining through initiatives like this! We are grateful for the kindness and extra effort that Mrs. Andrews exemplifies by creating school-wide experiences such as Pennies for Patients. These experiences afford our students the valuable lessons of considering others, working together, and giving back in various ways,” Smith added.
Andrews, a longtime supporter of LLS states, “it brings me such joy to see children helping other children. Pennies for Patients is a tremendous program that gets our students excited to give back.” Andrews continues, “You can see the pride in their faces as they drop coins into their class jars, knowing they are making a difference in the lives of other children fighting cancer and blood disorders. While superheroes can be found in hospitals and on the frontline, at ALT, superheroes walk our hallways every day.”
Photos by Warren Township Public Schools
(above) Kindergarten student, Victoria Bodajlo and her brother, grade 2 student Benjamin Bodajlo dressed as ALT superheroes.
