Stanton pupils seeking community’s help

HAMMONDSVILLE -- Students, staff and community members are helping cancer patients at Weirton Medical Cancer Center find comfort as they undergo treatment. Carolyn Byers, a preschool aide at Stanton Elementary School, is spearheading the second-annual Hope Kits project. The collected items will be placed in donation bags and taken to those at the facility.

Among the items being sought are: Snacks, blankets, warm socks, tissues, hand sanitizer, lotion, mints, lozenges, candy, puzzle books and chapstick. The collection began in early April and runs until May 10. Byers notified parents and posted on the school's Facebook page to gather interest. She has been gathering items from school members and received nutritional drinks from Saline Township officials. She plans to create several dozen Hope Kits for the cancer center so patients are able to relax while getting the help they need. Byers said she was inspired after she began chemotherapy for breast cancer at the center, adding her husband underwent treatment for colon cancer and is now in remission. She said they both received similar packages as new patients and she wanted to lift others' spirits, as hers had been.

"I gave them 30 bags last year," she announced. "They were out of things, so I started collecting again. We'll collect until May 10 and then pack the bags."

Byers stated Principal Kodi Peterson donated the bags toward the project, noting she is grateful for the support. She said the children love being involved.

"I had two kids who brought me a box with one of everything," she said. "There are some that really like doing it." She added cancer center officials are appreciative of the donations. Anyone interested in donating can deliver them to the Stanton Elementary office.