Huntsville Elementary Students Make a Big Impact with Small Change
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – As October winds down, the halls of Monrovia Elementary School buzz with excitement and pride. Throughout the month, students have been on a mission to collect coins for a worthy cause, launching a heartwarming cancer coin drive that has left everyone feeling inspired.
The initiative aimed to gather funds for Huntsville Hospital, assisting in cancer research and extending support to neighbors who are bravely fighting the disease. On Thursday, the school staged a special event to celebrate and acknowledge the ongoing struggles of those battling cancer. It was an opportunity for students and teachers alike to come together and show their support, while also paying tribute to some of their own faculty members who have faced cancer head-on.
Recognizing Brave Fighters
As the 2nd-grade teacher Andracia Henson explained, the drive wasn’t just about collecting coins; it was also a heartfelt way to honor teachers who have been diagnosed, battled the illness, and come out on the other side in remission. “We felt the best way to honor them is to give them a public display of affection,” Henson shared. This sentiment of solidarity warmed the hearts of everyone involved.
Small Coins, Big Change
Students plunged deep into their piggy banks, fumbling through pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, resulting in an impressive total of $700 raised. While this amount might seem modest to some, its significance runs deep. The faculty took this opportunity not just to raise funds, but also to impart an invaluable lesson to the kids: that every little bit counts and that even small actions can have a massive impact on the community.
Fifth graders Lucas Jones and Emmalyn Benavides shared their thoughts on the experience, reflecting on the personal growth they achieved through the process. “Knowing you’re helping someone or helping many people just feels good,” Lucas said. His realization of the challenges faced by cancer patients heightened his desire to contribute, showcasing a beautiful moment of empathy in our younger generation.
Emmalyn chimed in, expressing, “It’s amazing because you feel like you’re helping a ton of other people and everything feels pretty good.” Their enthusiasm and sense of purpose are a testament to the spirit of kindness that the school fosters. It is heartwarming to see such young hearts wanting to make a difference.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Spirit of Giving
But the giving spirit doesn’t stop there! The students at Monrovia Elementary are already planning their next community outreach project—a hygiene drive aimed to support those affected by the recent fires at the Derrick Street homeless encampment in Huntsville. It’s clear that these young changemakers are committed to learning the value of service and developing compassion for those in need.
As the students reflect on their accomplishments and prepare for their next big effort, it serves as a reminder for all of us: when we come together for a cause, big or small, we have the power to make a positive impact in our community. So here’s to the spirited kids at Monrovia Elementary School—they’re turning small change into significant change, one penny at a time!
