WINNEMUCCA - Local school and church organizations recently collected thousands of pennies and other coins and currency in an effort to raise money for the Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Generous donors from throughout Humboldt County recently donated a total of $1,525 to the hospital - money that comes back to benefit Nevada children.
In 2010, Primary Children's provided more than $12 million in charity care from community donations and hospital funds. More than $535,000 of that charitable service was donated to children from the State of Nevada.
That's why children at French Ford Middle School have been eager to take part in the pennies drive, says teacher Mike Clark.
"They want to help," he said. "They have big hearts and this hospital has cared for several of our youth, so they are committed to the cause."
This is the second year that students from French Ford have participated in the drive. Clark said students at the school were especially "tall" last fall - dropping the equivalent sum of their height into a 5-gallon jug.
"This was an enormous jug and they filled it half full," he remarked. "I was so impressed at everyone's generosity. It was a great experience for all of us."
In all, French Ford Middle School raised $383 - $160 more than was collected last year.
Children with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also chose to donate toward the "Pennies by the Inch" program.
"This was a way for them to reach out in support of other students," said Winnemucca Nevada Stake Second Counselor Chad Backus, "especially some of their friends and classmates who they know have needed those hospital services."
Children from all over Humboldt County donated $1,142 toward the hospital.
Backus said the church's youth have participated in the drive for many years. He believes they will continue their efforts in 2012.
"It's a great way for these youth to look outside themselves and to do their small - but significant part - to help those in need."
Primary Children's Medical Center continues to involve more organizations in its annual "Pennies by the Inch" funding drive.
To set up a collection site or to donate, please visit their website at penniesbytheinch.org.
Since its founding in 1922, Primary Children's has provided care to children regardless of their ability to pay.
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