Pennies add up for DeShane fundraiser

Students at Roy DeShane Elementary in Carol Stream will be kicking off the school's annual fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The school's Character Counts Club will march down the school's hallways Friday afternoon collecting jars in the classrooms set aside for the fundraising effort.

The "Parade for Pennies" kicks off the school's participation, which includes a charity effort in which both the school's assistant principal and gym teacher will be duct-taped to the gym wall during the school's lunch hour.

Students also will be selling lollipops and other small items during the next month.

"If we can instill the ethic of giving back, model it for our children and make donating and volunteering a natural part of life," school Principal Geri Serwach said, "then our future is bright."

The Character Counts Club prepared for Friday's event by making posters and writing announcements to be presented over the school's public-address system.

Wanda Franz, a parent volunteer at the school, said she hopes the total fundraising campaign can net between $1,000 and $1,500.

The Rotary Club of Carol Stream also has pledged to match a portion of their earnings.

R.C. Lowe, the school's assistant principal, and gym teacher Bob Burgin will be taped to the gym wall March 6.

For details on the school's fundraising effort, or to make a donation, call Roy DeShane Elementary at (630) 462-8925.