Lincoln Elementary students donate change for children

Lincoln Elementary students recently participated in the “Change for Children” annual campaign to raise money for the Granite Education Foundation, emptying their pockets and even their piggy banks to help other students in need.

The Granite Education Foundation helps to fill in many of the gaps in the children’s lives in which they serve. With 48 percent of the students in the Granite District living at or below poverty, the needs are great. The money raised through the “Change for Children” campaign will go toward purchasing eye exams and eyeglasses.

“We choose the ‘Change for Children’ program each year because the Granite Education Foundation gives so much to our students,” Lincoln Elementary Principal Karen Gregory said. “Most of the money comes right back to our school. We encourage the students to earn the money by doing a chore or something.”

Lincoln Elementary has 5-gallon jugs set up around the school for students to drop in their extra coins. This money, along with funds collected from other schools in the district that participate, will go to the foundation and will be distributed as vouchers for various needs.

“I have had several kids be given vouchers for eyeglasses, and many have received backpacks from the ‘Change for Children’ monies,” kindergarten teacher Karen Warrick said.

Each year, the Granite Education Foundation donates various things to the children in the Granite District who are in need. From musical instruments to dental exams, the board members work closely with the social workers and counselors in the district to identify those in need.

Last year Lincoln students collected and donated $250 through their efforts.