LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Local schools are gearing up for another year of fundraising for UMC Children's Hospital through the Miracle Pennies campaign.
Wednesday's luncheon celebrated last year's success, which saw 23 schools raise over $53,000. This year, the goal is set even higher at $60,000.
Funds raised through the campaign go directly to UMC Children's Hospital, supporting medical equipment and programs for young patients. Schools across the South Plains are planning events like teacher dodgeball tournaments and pie a teacher to help meet this goal.
"It's important because I think it's great for the students to see that we need to help others in our community. I love that it's children helping children," Kim Thomson, a teacher at Frenship Heritage Middle School, said.
One family knows firsthand how this support makes a difference. Olivia Dean, a 7-year-old cancer survivor, shared her story at the luncheon. Olivia was treated for Wilms tumor at UMC and is now cancer-free.
"Thank you so much. You don't know until you're in that situation and hopefully they need have to be but when you are in that situation it makes the world a difference that's more normal or distracting during hard times and we really appreciate it," Sarah Dean, Olivia's mom, said.
All funds raised stay in Lubbock, benefitting children at UMC Children's Hospital. For more information or to donate, visit UMC Children's Hospital.