Schoolchildren offer coin to help kids with cancer

Schoolchildren and parents in four Northland communities can donate coins during April to help fight childhood cancer.

The Duluth Noon Optimist Club and the Superior Optimist Club have organized a fundraiser to benefit families served by Essentia Health’s Erick Peter Person Children’s Cancer Center in Duluth.

During April, special coin canisters are being placed in schools in Duluth, Superior, Maple and Iron River, says Mike Pennington, the fundraiser’s chairman for the Duluth club. Kim Pearson and Liz Amys are coordinating the campaign for the Superior club. Childhood cancer campaigns are a focus of Optimist Clubs around the world, Pennington said.

Edison Charter Schools in Duluth are using the drive to help teach children the monthly core value of hope, Pennington says. The Optimists have also partnered with Key Clubs at Denfeld and East high schools in Duluth.

The coin drop fundraiser will help families whose children are undergoing treatment at Erick Peter Person Children’s Cancer Center. Families receive financial assistance for lodging, meals and travel expenses.

If your school is interested in participating, call Mike Pennington at (218) 724-3941 or email kidsfirst@duluthmnoptimists.org.

For more information, or to donate, call the Essentia Health Foundation at (218) 786-1619.

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