By Holly Heller Staff Writer
BREMEN —  Get your loose change ready — a campaign will soon begin at Bremen Elementary-Middle School to support Riley Hospital for Children.
The school is taking part in the Kids Caring & Sharing campaign, a project of the Indiana Association of High School principals. The statewide goal for the program is to raise $1 million.
“There are nearly one million students in the state of Indiana, so if every student can contribute one dollar, we will be able to give the hospital one million dollars,” said Mindi Blosser, first grade teacher.
Last year, nearly 700 schools in Indiana donated $815,000 to Riley.

“People don’t need to be millionaires to make a positive difference in the world,” Blosser said. “The school programs raised nearly one million dollars last year because each student gave what they could and it all adds up to make a difference and save lives.”
Students who donate any amount of money — even a few pennies — will write their name on a colorful hand cut-out like the one pictured here. The hands will be posted on the wall of the school gym in a rainbow pattern.
“Every donation gets their name on a hand,” said Barb Sauter, first grade teacher.
Parents, grandparents and community members are invited to donate as well. Checks should be made payable to Riley Children’s Foundation and may be mailed or dropped off at the school office.
K-5 students will conduct a change drive in each classroom from May 14 to 18. The class that collects the most money in each grade level will be awarded by the Bremen PTO.
That week, teachers will be able to wear jeans and casual clothing by making a $5 donation.
The students in grades 6-8 have a slightly different incentive, taking place May 7-11.
“The class that earns the most will get to duct tape their teacher to a chair for the day,” Blosser said.
Fun incentives aside, Blosser knows firsthand the value of the campaign, as her daughter, Brenna, has been a patient of Riley Hospital.
“I know how many families they touch,” Blosser said. “There are so many families that have so little support and there are so many things you need when you’re there.”
According to Riley Children’s Foundation, the annual average number of Marshall County children admitted at Riley Hospital is 36 and the average number of outpatient visits by Marshall County children per year is 831.
“There are tons of kids,” said Rhonda McIntyre, first grade teacher.
“More than people realize.”
Funds raised through the Kids Caring & Sharing campaign support six clinical areas in the hospital that are not self-sustaining — diabetes, immunodeficiency, stem cell, sickle cell, endocrinology and hemophilia. The campaign is also helping to build a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“If these programs didn’t have Kids Caring & Sharing, they would not be able to remain open to treat kids,” Blosser said. “Additionally, 60 percent of Riley patients cannot afford to pay for the services they receive. Riley is able to continue its tradition of treating ALL children in need, regardless of a family’s ability to pay because of generous donors like schools.”
The program has another benefit — not for the hospital or its patients, but for the children who donate.
“The kids can get involved and support other kids,” McIntyre said.
Blosser added, “Students can have fun, work as a team and develop a wonderful sense of pride in making a difference.”
If Bremen Elementary-Middle School meets its goal of raising $1 per student, it will be designated as a Miracle School by Riley.