“Penny Wars” Proceeds Help West Kittanning Service Agency
Before a celebratory game of bowling at King Lanes in Kittanning, Grace Christian School high school students presented the iPad to LifeSteps individuals (on left) Matthew Micholas, Sean Berkow, Ellie Dragan and Shannon Sherrieb.
By Jonathan Weaver
A fundraising competition at Grace Christian School in West Kittanning will not only help officials repaint the school gymnasium, but also help a local agency.
During the last week of February, nearly 60 Grace Christian School students raised money during their annual “Penny Wars” for the school and also to buy Lifesteps the agency’s first iPad.
LifeSteps Community Relations Representative Ashley Misterka said the agency – which helps adults 18 years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities at their adult training center in West Kittanning – is very appreciative of the community partnership.
“They raised a little over $1,000 in that one week – which is pretty amazing,” Misterka said. “The school has been very kind. We’re really happy that the Grace Christian School has been able to partner with Lifesteps, saw a need and be a good community partner and help us out.
“Lifesteps is really in need of technology, and its costly for Lifesteps to provide. Our funding has been cut by at some levels 33 percent by the State, so we’re really in a rough spot,” Misterka said. “Certainly things like iPads and computers, that’s not even an option for us right now - we’re just trying to keep our programs and services at the level of service we provide.”
Senior Adult Training Facility Supervisor Eileen Tuck said the partnership between Grace Christian School and Lifesteps began Community Relations Director Cassandra Kokoski and Administrative Assistant Kristy Green during last year’s Day of Giving in May.
The iPad – which was given by students Thursday morning - will be used for tailored for many individual needs, such as help with communication, speech or education. As many as 58 residents in the program Monday through Friday could benefit from the iPad with the aid of staff.
“This is brand new to these guys. It’s a big deal – very exciting,” Tuck said.
Before Christmas, school administrators also invited Life Steps individuals to witness the student’s inaugural play, “The Mousetrap,” and celebrate the holiday season with other holiday activities together.
Grace Christian School Principal Darlene Edwards said “Penny Wars” served a lesson in helping others
“I think we have to help each other,” Principal Edwards said. “As a non-profit, so many times we’re asking, asking, asking, and I’m really proud of the kids – they knew what the money was going to go for and they really worked hard to get the money.
They have really giving hearts - just a really good testimony to God,” Principal Edwards added. “They’re really just good kids.”
As their reward, the top students got to bowl a game at King Lanes in Kittanning.
In between frames, Eighth-grader Angel Campbell said the fundraiser ‘competition’ is usually only to benefit the West Kittanning school. She said the bowling prize and the opportunity for a pizza party motivated students to give more.
Eighth-grader Chancey Lamison, of Cowansville, said the high school class donated more than $150. His donation was mainly by way of loose change.
Last year, money went toward books for a school in Central Africa, 7th-12th grade Humanities Teacher Charlie Atwood said.
Atwood said he also donated $20 worth of pennies. Wife, Jenny – NexTier Bank Supervisor at the Leechburg branch – exchanged the cash for a total of 2,000 pennies during the course of the week.
Students also annually give back to the Community Action Agency through VANquish Hunger – a food drive held each December.
Local News | jweaver April 24, 2015
