For several years, Legacy has been helping grant life-changing wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses through the local Make-A-Wish Foundation. The impact of a simple wish is something they’ve seen first-hand.
“It’s a charity that is near and dear to us because some of our former Legacy students have been Make-A-Wish recipients. We are happy to be able to support this organization that grants wishes for children in need,” said Legacy Elementary counselor Valerie Llanas.
Earlier this semester, the campus held a change drive to raise money for Make-A-Wish. Students and staff donated money to participate in various activities like dress up days, chewing gum in class, playing games, and more. And while the students enjoyed all the fun, they also got a lesson on serving others.
“I believe fundraising for foundations like Make-A-Wish fosters the importance of the Frenship Way SERVE model even for our youngest Tigers. Specifically, voluntary giving to others in need,” said Llanas. “This charitable giving also builds kindness and empathy for others which are important social and emotional skills. We hold a can food drive in the fall for Upland Missons and the change drive for Make-A-Wish in the spring semester so we can encourage the giving to others in need throughout the school year. “
The Frenship Way SERVE Model is an acronym that stands for Smile, Engage, Respect, Volunteer, and Encourage. It defines Frenship’s culture and the importance the district places on serving others with a smile. Legacy students took the challenge to heart and raised $1,842 to help serve other area children; that’s $600 more than they raised last year.
“We are so excited to be able to donate more money than last year. More money raised means more wishes can be granted,” said Llanas. “Our Make-A-Wish representative, Denah Hooks, shared that we were the only school last year in the Lubbock area that donated to Make-A-Wish. Since taking over her position last year, she has made that her initiative to get more local schools involved, and this year we were one of several in the area that choose to fundraise for Make-A-Wish.”
Llanas says they also turn the fundraiser into a friendly competition among the grade levels to see who can raise the most money. This year, the second-grade class earned the winning title for donating the most money and were rewarded with a popsicle party.
Llanas hopes they can continue to build on their momentum and keep raising more money each year to help make wishes come true for those in need.
“We encourage other campuses and individuals to donate to Make-A-Wish. They have been a great organization to partner with and we look forward to supporting them in years to come. We are very thankful for the student, staff, and family support of this great cause,” said Llanas.