Roachdale students collect money for Riley

Roachdale Elementary students and staff displaying money collected from a recent penny drive for Riley Hospital include (front, from left) Austin Burch, Emma Harrison, Farrah Bell, James Wiltermood, Hunter Tippin, Anita Scott, Kyle Kochert, (second row, from left) Cassie Clark, Kizzie Castille, Isiah Tippin, Caleb Normeyer, Kaelynn Abner, Ally Davis, Jaysee Greene, (back row), teacher's aide Ricki Call and teacher Susie Wilcox. Those pictured received treatment at Riley in the past.

Students at Roachdale Elementary were recently challenged to bring pennies to donate for Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

They wound up breaking a school record by collecting some $1,685 worth of copper coins. A combination of 14 students and teachers at the school have benefited from the care of doctors at Riley and joined together to celebrate the drive this week.

"If it wasn't for money like this, children like this would not have a chance to have a better life," teacher Susie Wilcox said. Wilcox was treated at Riley as a child as was teacher's aide Ricki Call.

Members of the Student Council have conducted a fundraiser for Riley for a number of years, but this appears to be one of the biggest.

School counselor Dan McMurtry said this year's drive collected the most money in at least 10 years. Students were asked to bring in pennies and deposit them during their lunch period.

"This took place in just five days," McMurtry said.

All the money collected will be donated to the hospital for the care of patients.