Sand Mountain Reporter

Corley Elementary School celebrated the spirit of giving on a recent afternoon.

Not only did students learn nearly $4,000 had been raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, but two classmates received haircuts, donating the ponytails to Locks of Love.

Third-graders will receive a game day in the school’s gym for raising $2,304.01, and the students in Mrs. Nicholson and Mrs. Williams’ classes will receive pizza parties from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for their winning efforts of raising more than $400 per class.

“Everybody is a winner. We raised a tremendous amount of money to help those who need it,” said Principal Jamie Burton.

For their efforts in raising funds during the Pennies for Patients fundraiser, students were treated to suckers Monday afternoon and will receive popsicles later in the week.

Students posed for photos with a large ceremonial check, and the two winning classes gathered to watch Sylvie Gray and Sadie Burns donate their hair for Locks of Love, a charity that provides wigs to children suffering from cancer.

Gray had donated her hair just over two years ago and inspired Burns to do the same.

“When I saw Sylvie donate her hair in first grade, I decided I wanted to do it too,” Burns said. “I hope it helps someone who doesn’t have hair because they are sick.”

Burton told the children making a donation like Burns and Gray were doing “was a very special thing we don’t get to see every day.”

“Here at Corley, we do more than talk. We serve those in need,” Burton said.

“I know lots of girls and know that their hair is very precious to them. Their hair will be used to make wigs and given to kids who are very, very sick. The medicines they have been given to help them may make their hair fall out. What Sylvie and Sadie are doing here today is just awesome. I think it is really awesome.”

April Massey cut the girls’ hair, which had been pulled back into simple ponytails.

“You look so cute,” exclaimed Gray to Burns when the cuts were complete.

During the three-week fundraiser, students brought in bags and fistfuls of coins. Burton joked about having to heft boxes of pennies and taking them to the bank to be counted.

“It was fun,” he said.

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Serving Albertville and the Sand Mountain region

Publisher: Ben Shurett

1603 Progress Drive
Albertville, Alabama 35950

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