SJ-IHM students donate ‘koins’ for area hospital

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

At a local Catholic school, students helped those in need and learned more about their faith.

St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary was one of 25 schools in the tri-county area participating in the Handel’s “Koins for Kids” campaign from Dec. 1 to Dec. 11. All of the money raised by students benefited Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

“The kids donated whatever they could in coins or dollars, and our student council organized it,” said Principal John Rozzo. “We’re engaged in a number of different service projects, so we don’t single out one.”

When students donated to the “Koins” campaign, they received a paper snowman ornament to write their name on, and then they placed it on the school’s Christmas tree.

“I think (the campaign) brings the need factor more close to home, and one of the tenants of the Catholic Christian faith is that we help those who are in need,” Rozzo said. “By doing this, we are showing our Christianity in action.”

Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley recently celebrated its first anniversary. Programs like the “Koins for Kids” are new this year, but hospital officials hope they will become annual events, said JoAnn Stock, director of development at the hospital.

“The money stays local, right here in the Mahoning Valley,” she said. “One of our key promises is that we turn no child away. This money will help pay for things like charity care and Family Center care.”

The schools that raise the most funds in each county, based on amount raised versus school enrollment, will receive an ice cream social and a DJ for a school dance. The campaign ended on Dec. 11, and the results will be released by the end of December, Stock said.

“This teaches students to give back and help others less fortunate. It also helps us increase awareness about the hospital,” she said.