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See how much money Malverne Elementary students raised for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation | Herald Community Newspapers

See how much money Malverne Elementary students raised for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation | Herald Community Newspapers

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Maurice W. Downing Primary School Student Council delegates, led by advisors Ms. Coreia and Ms. Smyth, inspired their fellow students to take action and raise money for a local charity.

On September 26, students and staff were asked to wear yellow to raise awareness and convey the message that every child should have a BRIGHT future. Additionally, and in keeping with the theme of “Children Helping Children,” students asked their families to make a $1 donation to benefit the Mary Ruchalski Foundation, a local pediatric cancer research charity.

During a special meeting that day, the first and second grade student council delegates were joined by Carol Ruchalski, Mary’s mother.

Carol Ruchalski spoke to students about her work with children and donated a book to her library called “Ordinary Mary’s,” a story of kindness, caring and compassion that will inspire all students to do good deeds. Carol also gave the students yellow shoelaces and lanterns to light up the school to support this cause.

At the end of the visit, the students, represented by Second Grade Student Council President Seraphina Chambliss, presented Ruchalski with their $450 donation, which had been collected by the Downing school community.

The district is so proud of these amazing young students who are making positive contributions to the community and setting an example for the rest of us of how to be good citizens.