Students at Ayaprun Elementary School raised nearly $2,500 last week for a sick classmate, and they did it in only three days.
First-grader Amelia “Arnaucuaq” Jones was diagnosed with leukemia last fall and is undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage. At the urging of school social worker Carolyn Iverson, the teachers organized a Christmas collection for Amelia at their staff meeting last week. On Tuesday they asked their students to knock on doors and ask neighbors for donations. The teachers promised to give out prizes whenever the school raised a certain amount.
Ayaprun’s students got to work. Some children donated their allowances; others asked their parents for spare change. According to teacher Connie Tracy, one third-grader gave Amelia his tooth fairy money. In three days the school raised $2,477.50. The teachers rewarded their students with candy canes, a popcorn party, and an afternoon of hot cocoa and sledding.
The Amelia Christmas Campaign ended Thursday, but Tracy said that the school is planning another fundraiser for the Jones family in February.