ALTON STUDENT HELPS SCHOOL’S CANCER FUNDRAISER

  

When Alton Elementary School second-grader Brooklyn Barrera won $100 for being the campus’ top seller in the PTO fundraiser, no one imagined that she would donate that money right back to the school.

Alton Elementary School students and staff are participating in Pennies for Patients, a fundraiser run by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society benefiting patients fighting various types of blood cancer. Funds collected help support research to advance cancer therapies and help save lives.

Campus counselor Brenda Ritter says she was shocked to find a $100 bill in the Pennies for Patients collection envelope but wasn’t surprised to find out that it came from Brooklyn. According to Ritter, Brooklyn comes from a family of givers.

Brooklyn’s parents Heidi and Joe Barrera recently donated a water dispenser and water for the year for campus staff, a small gesture that made a big impression.

Brooklyn said she originally planned to save her winnings for summer vacation but decided other families in need could put the money to better use. “Sometimes parents need money for gas to get their children to and from the hospital,” said Brooklyn. “Gas is expensive and now they can use that money for different stuff.”

During the month of November, Brenham ISD elementary students are discussing the core value of honor, which means letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. Brenham ISD and Alton Elementary School are happy to honor the Barrera family for embodying the district’s values and for being a valuable partner in the district, community, and beyond.

(COURTESY: Jessica Johnston, BISD Information)