By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- A steady flow of change, checks and cash donations characterized another successful Pennies for Patients fundraiser for the Berrien County Cancer Service on Thursday.
The 15th annual Pennies for Patients fundraiser, which collects money for the non-profit organization's nursing and support services, was held at the service's two branch offices in Niles and Stevensville.
The mission of Berrien County Cancer Services is to provide free skilled home nursing services, equipment, information and supplies at cost for cancer patients and their families throughout the county.
As of Thursday evening, the preliminary total of the fundraiser was $23,588. The grand total is expected to increase as they are still tallying the results.
Lagoni said she received a few bags of pennies on Friday morning and that the organization will continue to accept donations.
Last year, the fundraiser garnered a whopping grand total of $28,199.
Pennies for Patients means a lot to this organization, which draws 50 percent of its budget from fundraisers, contributions and memorial donations. The other half of its budget comes from donations from the United Way of Greater Niles and the United Way of Southwestern Michigan.
In 2002, Lagoni said the fundraiser pulled in $13,000 in pennies alone, which ended up weighing in at more than four tons.
And though pennies are a big part of the fundraiser, they also receive nickels, dimes, quarters, cash and checks.
Luckily, the organization has change counters at its Stevensville office to help speed up the counting process.
The nursing service supported by this fundraiser is compromised of a staff that helps patients with the physical and emotional support that they need.
Lane said that a number of their clients are not physically able to leave home to attend support groups, so the nurses are also there to listen to patients and provide them with a support system and encouragement.
The organization's other large fundraiser is the Berrien County Cancer Service Bike Tour, which will take place on Sunday, June 27 at the Stevensville office, 7301 Red Arrow Highway.
Lane said it is the continued support of the community that makes the services they provide possible.
The Niles branch of Berrien County Cancer Services is located at 227 1/2 E. Main St., Room 202 in the Masonic Building. For more information, call 683-7460.