Kids' change to benefit center

Schoolchildren in Columbia and Richmond counties can save their loose change to make a change in other children's lives.

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Some schools are taking part in "Raiders of the Loose Change," a fund-raiser for the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center.

Denise Parrish, the media relations manager for MCG Hospital, said participating schools in Columbia County include Evans and Columbia middle schools and Martinez Elementary School.

However, all schools are invited to participate. The fundraiser runs through the end of the month.

"It's just a way for the kids to learn to help other kids. All kids are not as fortunate as other kids might think," said Parrish. "Other ones need help. They're sick or have some kind of an illness that puts them in the Children's Medical Center."

The loose change that is collected will be used to purchase items such as toys or televisions to make children feel more at home during their time in the hospital.

Each child who collects at least $1 of loose change will receive a Miracle Maker bracelet to show his or her support for the medical center.

The school that collects the most change will win a pizza party. The winning school will earn the right to display the "Raiders of the Loose Change" trophy for a year and to present its donation check at the Children's Miracle Network telethon in June.

Last year, the top school was McBean Elementary in Richmond County. The McBean pupils raised more than $4,000.

For more information, call (706) 721-3957.