For Immediate Release                                                                          Contact Cordell Jordan

September 22, 2005                                                                                         405.587.0232

Thousands of Pennies Going to Hurricane Victims

Oklahoma City – In response to hurricane Katrina, students at Wheeler Elementary School at 501 Southeast 25^th collected pennies to help families hit hardest by the storm.

            “Our kids brought in five pickle barrels full of coins,” says Wheeler Principal Cathy Von Neumann. “I spent more than two hours at the coin machine at the bank counting it all.”

            A check for $1,013.67 will be presented to the American Red Cross during a short ceremony at the school at 1:30 on Friday, September 23.

            “Almost 100 percent of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch,” Von Neumann added. “It is so neat to see children with so little give so much.”

            The class that raised the most money is being treated to a pizza party. Media is encouraged to attend the check presentation. Students will be made available for interviews if needed.

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