---

Taylors Falls Elementary students and staff are currently raising money through the school's annual Pennies for Patients fund drive, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

In January, gift baskets were donated for a raffle. Over 3,000 tickets were sold, equating to $640.50.

Basket winners, along with the basket theme and donors, are as follows:

• "Child's Birthday Celebration:" Maggie Wille (donated by Mrs. Beecrfot, Mr. Couillard, Mrs. Holm and Mrs. Waddell)

• Mary Englebrekt collection: Connie Ferris (donated by Mrs. Sandell)

• Movie Night: Terry Lind (donated by Kris, LeeAnn, Mason and Adam Vitalis)

• "Quality Family Time:" Christina Loyas (donated by Kid's Club)

• Toys for Boys: Jacob Vangstad (donated by Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Swanberg and Mrs. Stephansen)

• "Quench Your Thirst:" Reed O. (donated by Al and Sheryl Spray

• Summer Fun: Peter Vitalis (donated by TFPFE)

• Winter Fun: Verne (donated by TFPFE)

• Cook's Choice: Madi Giossi (donated by CL Food Service)

• Hot chocolate basket: Melissa Manning (donated by LuAnn Nordeen)

• Scrapbooking basket: Ashley Johnson (donated by TF bus drivers)

• Tangled Up in Blue: Mr. Achartz, Holly Windram (donated by Chef Ross and several TF staff)

• Sweets and treats basket: Josh Fusco (donated by Mr. Achartz, Mrs. Brandt and Mrs. Julik-Heine)

• Movie Night: Jennifer Andersen (donated by Mrs. Thul)

• Toys for Girls: Nicole Buck (donated by Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Swanberg and Mrs. Stephansen)

• Family Game Night: Chase M. (donated by Honey, Dusty, Daily, Sunny, Patty and Jake Vodenka-Reed)

• Hearts, Hearts Hearts: Reed O. (donated by LuAnn Nordeen).

Fifth graders also made and sold beaded cancer bracelets and cancer ribbon car magnets were given to any student donating $3.

Mrs. Rockenback donated a jar of pennies for a "Guess How Many" fundraiser, which brought in $88.40, plus the donation of 2,500 pennies inside the jar. Kaylee Bowen correctly guessed the number of pennies in the jar.

Through the month of February, the fundraising drive continues, as staff and students donate toward "The Arctic Challenge." A thermometer in the lobby rises with every donation. At different amounts, another staff member has signed their name and agreed to sleep outside in tents at the school Thursday, March 19.

The names of several staff members have already been reached on the thermometer. Parents, staff and community members are encouraged to drop off their donations and help the thermometer rise.

This is the seventh year that Taylors Falls Elementary has participated in the Pennies for Patients drive. Last year, the school raised $1,577 and has contributed more than $5,400 since 2003.

---