Alton Elementary Students Collected $12,000 in Loose Change for Childhood Cancer Research
Alton students collected change to support a nonprofit that grants wishes to kids with cancer and raises money for research. Learn how Kellsie’s Hope Foundation brings its mission into local schools.
ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 students raised over $12,000 to help children undergoing cancer treatment.
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Over the past few weeks, Alton elementary school students and Mark Twain students were tasked with collecting change in yellow socks. All proceeds go to Kellsie’s Hope Foundation, a Maryville nonprofit that then donates the money toward childhood cancer research.
"One of the things that makes our Redbird community so special is the way we come together,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart. “Kellsie’s Hope gives us an opportunity to show that even small acts of kindness, and a few coins in a sock, can make a tremendous difference."
Kellsie’s Hope was founded by Kellsie Marchbanks during her battle with cancer. The nonprofit grants wishes to kids with cancer and raises money for cancer research. After Kellsie’s passing in 2011, her mother Gail has continued her legacy.
“Kellsie got several things given to her whenever she was going through treatment, like Make-A-Wish and stuff. She wanted to do that for other kids,” Gail explained. “Another big thing was she had a very good relationship with her oncologist, who was doing research on childhood cancer. She wanted to give money to him and raise awareness of childhood cancer.”
They started the Sock It To Cancer campaign as a way to get local schools involved in giving back. Kids are given a yellow sock they can decorate. They then spend a month collecting loose change. Over 40 schools are scheduled to participate this year.
One goal, Gail explained, is to raise money, but the campaign is more about raising awareness and showing kids that they can help one another. This was Kellsie’s work.
“This isn’t a fundraiser. I know we’re collecting funds, but it’s more about just our mission of kids helping kids,” Gail said. “There are kids in the hospital that are these kids’ ages that aren’t able to go to school. They’re in the hospital. They can’t be with their friends. They can’t do the extracurricular activities. But if they know that somebody is out there helping them try to find a cure or try to help grant them a wish, then it can put a smile on their face.”
It means a lot to Gail and the Kellsie’s Hope team, who aim to raise $100,000 through the Sock It To Cancer campaign this year. Hart is proud that Alton students were able to contribute over $12,000 toward that.
Hart explained that Maria Neganov, an Alton High School alumna, contacted the district about this campaign in 2025. Neganov had received a nursing scholarship from Kellsie’s Hope. She reached out to the district “knowing that education is important to us as well,” Hart said.
The district was eager to participate. Last year, they collected about $11,000. Hart was pleased to see they raised even more this year, and she hopes the money can help. Mostly, she hopes the students took away an important lesson about giving back.
“It shows our Redbirds that you don’t have to do something big to make a difference. Every coin matters, every act of kindness matters, and together we’re helping create hope and special memories for children and families facing childhood cancer,” she added. “Kellsie’s legacy is about giving hope to children, and we’re proud that our Redbirds can be part of continuing that legacy."
For more information about Kellsie’s Hope, including how to donate or how to start a Sock It To Cancer campaign at your school, visit the official website.
This featured article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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