Hey, Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

When the Watonga School Board met Oct. 10 in regular session, one of the items on the agenda was a fundraiser request for approval. Every time a fundraiser is proposed, the board must approve the drive, no matter how big or how small.

This simple request was to collect dimes to benefit Emily Morton, a fifth-grader at Watonga Elementary School who was diagnosed with bone cancer last year. Each classroom has been outfitted with an empty water bottle and students drop in their dimes. A 16-ounce water bottle full of dimes represents $100.

Originally, the intent was to have elementary students involved, but the scope of the dime roundup has increased, with all schools participating now, not just the elementary students.

The request stated hopes were to raise $1,000 but with all schools involved, chances are that goal will be met and surpassed.

The fundraiser is ongoing through Oct. 31 and the tabulations will be announced in early November. Any member of the community outside the school who wants to do more to help the family ease the strain of dealing with childhood cancer is encouraged to call elementary school principal Ashley Stewart at 580-623-4022.