Parkdale's Honor Society Collects Coins For Leukemia Research

Parkdale High's National Honors Society spent the last two weeks collecting their classmates coins.

No—it wasn't a fundraiser for their organization, but for leukemia and lymphoma patients.

Co-Advisor Carrie Robertson said the NHS started collecting Pennies for Patients five years ago.  Robertson said the cause is personal to her because her father suffered from leukemia.

Over the years, the group has collected $600 to $900 a year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Although the economy has taken a downturn, C0-Advisor Charlena Carney said she's surprised that every year students donate.

Members says it's because the students like the competition.

Senior Vanessa Niba said that the classes love to compete with one another and that although Parkdale participates in the program, Pennies for Patients has created some sibling rivalry at home, when younger brothers or sisters collect pennies for their school's drive.

However, Niba said the message also hits home for students at Parkdale, because a current senior has leukemia as well.

The NHS members spend their free class and lunch counting the coins — which are more than just pennies — and roll them as well.

On Thursday, the students were trying to finish counting the remaining coins during lunch.

The class that has collected the most money will get a pizza party.