Sending Pennies to Cambodia

Penny Wars have nothing to do with throwing pennies. In fact, they have everything to do with collecting them, and UM-Flint student nurses do that very well. The Penny Wars were started a few years ago as a fund raising activity for various nursing programs and projects.

"This is a way to not only raise money for a good cause but to encourage class pride," said Holly Holko, president of BSN 26.

The money this year was given to Maureen Tippen who is going with a group of nursing students to Cambodia for a Service Learning Course. The students will take medical supplies to the people of Cambodia and the Penny War money will help them purchase needed items.

"We raised a whopping $475.90. I think we outdid ourselves," said Holko. "I am so proud that our nursing classes and faculty too, could come together and give the little money we have to support a great cause."

Maureen Tippen, who is leading the group to Cambodia said the money will go to a good cause. "There is a school in a village I went to last year. I have not been able to stop thinking about the teacher there. Children there live near a garbage dump and pick through and recycle trash for small amounts of money."

The volunteer teacher asked for books and supplies for his school. The gift will go towards purchasing these items. The nursing students leave for Cambodia on June 16 and return on July 1.