Coins for Cancer at Cape Hatteras Elementary brings in more than $3,200 in donations

(Reprinted from the Island Free Press)

Every year in November, Cape Hatteras Elementary School (CHES) students bring in handfuls of spare change, bills, and checks in order to raise money for the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, and in 2024, the students came together to raise a staggering $3,225.52 for their local friends and neighbors.

The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that assists Hatteras Island community members with medical bills not covered by insurance, and travel expenses for cancer treatments. Since it was founded in 2000, the HICF has assisted hundreds of islanders with cancer and their families, with grants in excess of $1,000,000.

The annual “Coins for Cancer” event is a school-wide venture and competition that rewards the winning class (or the class that raises the most funds) with a cupcake party. This year, Kim Martin of KM Creations donated the cupcakes.

In 2024, Ms. Johanna Hernandez’s 5th grade class took home the first-place honor – and the cupcakes – by raising a total of $483.85 for HICF.

Second place went to Mrs. Jillian Willis’ 2nd grade class with $401.10 in donations, and third place went to Karla Willis’ kindergarten class with a total of $367.50.

“Every year, the children look forward to this special event,” stated Donna Barnett of HICF in an update on this year’s Coins for Cancer event. “We visit each class to share what HICF stands for and explain our mission of raising funds to support members in our community affected by cancer. We feel truly privileged that Cape Hatteras Elementary opens its doors to us, allowing us not only to raise money but also to teach empathy to the children.

“Our hope is that this experience will leave a lasting impression on them,” added Barnett. “This fundraiser is my favorite HICF fundraiser because it gives us the chance to help instill the importance of community service in young minds. And the children really grasp the concept.”

The Coins for Cancer event was held during the week November 18-22, with the winning cupcake party held on December 6.

For more information about the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, (and to make a donation in time for the holidays), please visit their website at www.hicf.org.