Linntown students collect change for veterans

Nov. 6—LEWISBURG — The students at Linntown Intermediate School in Lewisburg have already surpassed their goal of raising $200 to address food insecurity for veterans and military personnel.

School Counselor Evelyn Hornberger said the fourth and fifth grade students in Lewisburg Area School District have raised $295.36 after three days of a five-day Penny Drive fundraiser. The money will benefit Miles for MilitaryShare.

"It's been really great," Hornberger said. "Our community is fantastic with everything we do. This community definitely shows up. That's one thing I love about this community."

The fundraiser to benefit veterans kicked off on Monday. Students were asked to collect and bring in spare change. The students brought in $42.20 on Monday, $154.84 on Tuesday and $98.32 on Wednesday.

Fourth grader Jeffrey Beddall and fifth grader Cate Remmey, both 10, said they like the fundraiser because it helps veterans.

"It's fun," Cate added. "It also makes me happy that I'm helping our country."

"I'm trading my brother dollar bills for his pennies," Jeffery said.

The students were promised extra recess for meeting the initial goal. The classrooms in each grade that collect the most money will receive a special treat.

In central Pennsylvania, more than 9 percent of households receiving food assistance have at least one member who has served or is currently serving in the military, according to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

That statistic inspired the creation of MilitaryShare, a Fresh Express Program of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank that is designed to provide fresh, nutritious food for families. This includes all military branches, prior service, reservists or inactive ready reserves, according to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.