When Finnley Lutz saw her fellow high school students roll up with two wheelbarrows filled with pennies, she knew they were about to make a difference.
Students at the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District in Kingsford (200 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge) raised more than $1,500 for Gift of Life Michigan this year in a penny war that filled the halls with enthusiastic energy.
The district’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals student group spearheaded the fundraising after students in April experienced Gift of Life’s All of Us education program, which features plasticized human organs, interactive games and personal messages about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
“It was really life-changing,” said Finnley, who graduated in May and is headed to nursing school.
“Before that, I wasn’t signed up to be an organ donor because I didn’t understand it. When Gift of Life came here, you could really feel the impact you’re making just by being an organ donor.”
Students at the district’s Career & Technical Education Center have raised money for Gift of Life in the past, but this year brought in the most money yet. It took students 10 hours to count the mountains of change.
“They made a real human connection,” said Jill Johnson, health occupations instructor at the school. “This is important to them. They know there are people their age who need organs.”
“They’re a great partner, and we’re thrilled that our All of Us program motivated them to help us educate even more students,” said Susan Rink, Gift of Life’s director of advancement. “This money will make a real impact. We’re so grateful.”
To learn more about Gift of Life’s youth outreach programs, go to golm.org/youth.
