Hundreds of Norwalk campers collected thousands of coins to donate to the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, part of an effort this summer sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
Large empty water bottles were placed at Marvin, Brookside, Cranbury and Fox Run schools - where camp activities were held - to collect the coins. How much was collected will be determined as the money is tabulated.
"It's very gratifying," said Rosanne Shegirian, manager of annual giving for the hospital, Monday. "Every dollar, every penny adds up, but it's beyond the money. It's about these children raising awareness about how early detection can help save the lives of people with cancer."
The Coins for Cancer is in its third year, and Shegirian estimates that the effort has raised a combined $4,000 so far. Monday during a ceremony at Cranbury School the campers presented the coins to Shegirian and the center.
"Philanthropy starts at a young age, and it's wonderful to see these children learning such a valuable lesson," said Shegirian. "I hope this stays with them for the rest of their lives."
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