On November 27th, Mokena 159 started its 'Penny War,' a fundraising competition pitting classes against one another to see who can raise the most money. For the students, it's a fun chance to see which class can win a dodgeball tournament and free seating for the entire week at lunch, but for the community, it's a beneficial fundraiser.
At the end of the week and a half, all of the money was pooled together to buy necessities for in-need families in the Mokena area, things like laundry detergent, dish soap, blankets, and pet food.
Mokena Miracles was founded in 2017 as a way to serve families in need in the Mokena community. While Mokena Miracles helps provide families with holiday gifts, the organization also has helped pay medical, rent, and mortgage bills. They have also funded home and vehicle repairs and provided fuel and grocery store gift cards.
$2,938.76 was raised between all three Mokena schools and will help make local families’ holidays a little brighter! “We want to thank the students and families of the Mokena School District for your generosity and know that you are assisting someone in need!”, said Mokena Miracles Board Member and Mokena Elementary School kindergarten teacher Debi Blank.