Shawnee Mission Schools Support Patients Through Penny Campaigns

Shawanoe Students Celebrate Pennies Campaign
Shawnee Mission School District

This year, 15 Shawnee Mission schools participated in Pennies for Patients to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) MidAmerica Chapter and raised nearly $30,000. The chapter recently recognized two Shawnee Mission schools for Top 10 placement for fundraising.

Briarwood Elementary held the third-largest campaign in the Mid-America Chapter which covers the state of Kansas as well as the greater KC area. Their campaign was led by third-grade teachers, Susan Reichardt and Barbara Newbold.

“We have a very generous community who has supported this organization for eight years,” Newbold said.

Shawanoe Elementary achieved the seventh largest donation in the chapter’s district and were recognized for their Top Ten placement.

At Shawanoe Elementary School, students and staff raised more than $4,500 for LLS. Laura Stoafer, second-grade teacher and Marlena Stafford, first-grade teacher, coordinated the program with the Shawanoe student leadership group.  

A celebration assembly was hosted to recognize Shawanoe’s success.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the students and staff to help those with cancer through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” said Kandi LaMar, senior campaign manager. “The donations fund important cancer research and local patient services – both vital to the fight against blood cancers.  Now more than ever, patients are relying on our support to cover the cost of care.”

Rosehill Elementary and Westwood View Elementary are Loyal Lincoln Award recipients. This honor is given to schools for participating in the campaign for five consecutive years.

The LLS also extended its appreciation to ApacheIS, Bluejacket-Flint, Brookwood, Highlands, Nieman, Overland Park, Rising Star, Rushton, Sunflower, Trailwood, and Indian Woods Middle School for their generous participation.