Feb 24

Written by: ngreditor
2/24/2009 10:22 PM 

Members of Deb Matson's third grade class, with Matt Meyer from radio station US92.

Third graders turn in donations for St. Jude’s

Matt Meyer of US92 visited Newman Grove Elementary school on Tuesday to pick up pennies. Lots and lots of pennies. $615.50 were raised by the Third grade to go to St. Jude’s Hospital.

The class began on January 16 with a goal of raising just $10 in pennies, a “Random Act of Kindness.” But the story just took off. “Every time we set a goal, they’d meet it,” said teacher Deb Matson.

People would keep bringing in pennies. One person brought in a bucket with $47.50. Phyllis Weitzel brought in a large collection from the Café.

US92 had not yet begun their St. Jude’s collection contest, so (to be fair) about $69 had to be held back from competition.

Some of the girls from the class help carry the load of pennies. Most students had to make two trips.

But competition wasn’t the point. Compassion was, and so was astonishment. “That’s amazing how many pennies you got,” said Meyer.

Students and friends are encouraged to listen to US92 on Thursday the 26th to hear how the competition turned out—and if the Third grade class gets a pizza party. They’ve already made a difference in young lives.

Copyright ©2009 Newman Grove Reporter