Students’ “Pennies for PJs” raises $2,478 for kids in hospital

First-graders at Clarendon Elementary School warmed the holidays for children who had to spend Christmas in the hospital. The students collected pennies as a service project. They dug into their pockets, broke open piggy banks and gave up spare change from their Book Fair.

A large, colored thermometer on a classroom door showed the progress as they reached their goal of $400. It spilled over to show a mark of $2,478, enough to give pajamas and a book to 119 children at Aultman Hospital and the oncology and hematology floors at Akron Children’s Hospital.“I feel really special to make people feel good,” said student Lauryn Swonger

The first-graders also solicited the help of other students, school board members, administrators, principals and local businesses. Principal Nicole Herberghs said the kids took the lead on the project and took their goal seriously.

Teachers Kim Robbins, Paula Weaver and Lucretia Scalia were overwhelmed, but not surprised by their students’ generosity.“They happily participated in this knowing there was nothing tangible in it for them,” said Robbins. “They came to school each day and dropped pennies in the jar with smiles on their faces.”