Hallett Elementary second-grader Kailyn Wilder (front) puts pennies in the jar as her mother Tonia Wilder (back) watches.
Hallett Elementary School's annual "Hawks Helping Others" holiday fundraiser is underway. In addition to collecting food, pet food and supplies for the Medical Lake Food Bank, students are raising money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and awareness through their "Pennies for ALS" project.
The school's goal is to raise $100 from each grade level for a total of $600 by Dec. 17.
All proceeds from the project will go to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, which serves ALS patients, their families and caregivers throughout the Inland Northwest.
According to Hallett secretary Susan Smith, the Associated Student Body (ASB) officers picked the ALS Association from 10-15 different organizations and charities. Last summer the ALS Association raised $115 million through the Ice Bucket challenge.
"I think the ice bucket challenge was in the back of their minds," Smith said.
Jennifer Hanson, the development director for the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, is grateful for the support Hallett and other schools and organizations have given them this year.
"This helps us provide free services to local families," Hanson said. "We're very grateful and very privileged."
Hallett Principal Cindy McSmith is thankful for the support of the students and community.
"This is also a good lesson for kids to see how others give," McSmith said.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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