Hero Squad collects change for a cure

Kidsday reporter Aaliyaha Ramos from Grant Avenue School in the Bronx participates in Pennies for Patients, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Credit: Newsday/Pat Mullooly
I am a proud member of the Hero Squad at my school. Becoming a Hero Squad member is easy. All you have to do is collect your loose change and donate it to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help others in need.
In just a few weeks, I was able to collect about $47, put it in a special collection box and then have my school take all of our money raised and donate it. I have a special reason for doing this. My aunt has leukemia, and I want to help her in any way that I can.
The Hero Squad does have incentives for us, too. There are little prizes that we can collect when we reach certain dollar amounts.
Info: penniesforpatients.org
Lauren Shea Buckridge, John Ferraro and Laticia Robinson’s students, Grant Avenue Elementary School, Bronx