Cross Timbers Students Show Kindness through Competition

When the Student Government students at Cross Timbers Intermediate School came up with the idea of having a school-wide Penny War to raise money for relief efforts in Japan, they never imagined they would receive such an overwhelming response. 

The school was split into teams according to their advisory rooms. For seven days, students opened up their wallets and hearts to donate every bit they could to help the victims in Japan. 

“What I think is so amazing is that about 50% of our student population is economically disadvantaged, yet so many still chose to donate,” said Assistant Principal Jamie Norwood. “We know it was a real sacrifice for some of them and I think that’s what makes it so special.”

In the middle of the fundraiser, the Student Government advisor Dawn Greathouse learned that all of the collection jugs were overflowing, which prompted an emergency trip to the grocery store to cash in the first batch of coins. 

“At that point we had about $1,400 and the money was still pouring in,” said Greathouse. “Even now, days after the event, students are still bringing their donations to me.”

The seven-day fundraiser produced over $2,500, which was presented to a representative from the American Red Cross at a special assembly on April 8, 2011. Mansfield Chamber of Commerce President Lucretia Mills also attended the assembly to show her support to Cross Timbers and Mansfield ISD.

“It’s because of the generous donations from Cross Timbers Intermediate School and so many other gracious individuals across the country that we are able to provide support for Japan,” said Tammy Ripple, Director of Volunteer and Corporate Programs for the American Red Cross. 

Learn more about donating funds to the American Red Cross.

Check out more photos from the Penny War program.