Martinsville school raises money for Riley Children’s Foundation

MARTINSVILLE,Ind. (WISH) – With fractions, decimals and adding and subtracting math can be tough to learn for some students. One Martinsville Elementary School is showing others that there’s an even bigger lesson behind the numbers.

“One of the things that we were talking about was OK what can third graders do with math,” explained Beth Pilat, the third grade high ability adviser at South Elementary.

During a brainstorming session one day the group came up with the idea to sell popcorn.

“We had to do all the math, to add up all the popcorn, the oil and the kernels we had to use and also all the money,” said Andrew Harmon, a third grader.

At $1 a bag the kids raised $438.28 during their two day sale. The next decision they had to make was what to do with all the money.

“These kids really surprised me they’re like we want to give the money to Riley Children’s Hospital,” said Pilat.

“We know a lot of kids are sick right now. We need to give them money to help to get the right equipment to help them,” said Harmon.

With a few supplies, the kids put together a giant check to bring to the hospital to present their donation. Riley Children’s Foundation set up to give the kids a tour so they could learn more about the facility they were donating to.

The amount the school raised gives them Miracle School status from Riley.

“With their donation it represents each kid at that school giving something to help other kids which is just an incredible thing,” explained Kate Burnett from Riley Children’s Foundation.

Some of the kids explained to 24-Hour News 8 the biggest lesson of all they learned doing the popcorn sale.

“To be nice to people,” said Lucy Cramer, a third grader.

“Probably caring for other kids,” said Harmon.