SAN ANGELO, Texas — Students from McGill Elementary school held a rally Friday morning to celebrate the funds they raised through a campus penny war. They raised a total of $1,500 to go towards Shannon Medical Center Oncology.
“A huge part of our culture at our school is doing something for other people and our kids just had a really good time raising a lot of money for a very good cause and Shannon Medical center is a great partner with us in the school district,” McGill Elementary School Principal John Reuter said.
Over a two-week period, classrooms at McGill Elementary competed against each other to see which class could collect the most pennies. As a prize, the top class with the most pennies won a pizza party.
“We’re super excited and grateful for McGill Elementary, the kids, teachers and staff and really what they have done and the power of a penny. When you put it all together to help support our patients through the Oncology Angel Fund, it’s just awesome to see,” Shannon Medical Center Director of Oncology Roman Rodriguez said.
Shannon Medical Center will split the donation between the center’s Angel Fund and the Empowerment Fund.
“The Angel Fund helps patients to be able to get to a treatment they might have otherwise encountered a barrier whether it’s when they need help when we send them to a secondary consult, or need a little help with a hotel stay... maybe even a warm blanket, '' Rodriguez said.
Donations from students at McGill Elementary are proof that every penny counts.