Littlefield students raise over $1,300 for cancer research

LITTLEFIELD, TX (KCBD) - Students from Littlefield Primary School came together to raise over $1,300 in the month of February, all in the name of cancer research.

"The kids had the best time bringing their money," said Peggy Robison. Peggy is the school's coordinator for the Neuroblastoma Foundations fundraiser "coins for kids."

"They would bring money in every day in plastic bags and pockets. We had big jars that had grade levels on it and we had some incentives so that whoever brought the most money got a bracelet and 30 extra minutes of recess at the park."

The students filled the stands of the middle school gymnasium Thursday afternoon while representatives from each grade level held a sign indicating how much money their grade raised.

"Every bit of it was coins," Robison said. "We asked many of the kids if they understood what it was for and they did. I think it made a lot of difference because they're also kids themselves."

"I used my birthday money," said second grader Morris Randle. "It made me feel glad we helped to stop cancer."

One of his classmates donated money from his college fund.

"My parents gave it to me for college but I decided to give it to the people who needed it more than I do," said Reece Miller. "Our school is very awesome."

"It made me feel happy because I really wanted to do it," said second grader Avianna Mendoza.

The check was presented to C. Patrick Reynolds, M.D., Ph. D. He is Director of the Cancer Center at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

"Any money that goes to childhood cancer is important. It helps the families, helps the children, helps the research that brings about new cures but what's striking about this particular effort is these children dug into their own pockets and gave money," he said. "Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death of children outside of accidents."

Dr. Reynolds says Neuroblastoma Foundation was started by parents who lost their children to a particular kind of cancer. Their focus is trying to raise money for research and helping the families of children that have cancer.

"What an honor and a pleasure to be in Littlefield. These children have done a magnificent job and I was very proud to come and talk to them," he said. "It makes me proud as a West Texan to be associated with these children."

The school hopes to continue this fundraiser in the future.

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