Sand Springs 5th Graders Make Donation To Salvation Army Using Hard Earned Money

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign has raised $150,000 of its $700,000 goal.

Sand Springs students involved with Junior Achievement helped donate on Wednesday in their first-ever event called “Junior Achievement’s BizTown – Salvation Army Bell Ringing Event.”

Leaders with Junior Achievement said this event allows students to learn philanthropy firsthand.

60 students took part in a bell ringing event to help those in need.

"What better way to learn with Junior Achievement is to learn hands-on and to teach them and that’s the power of giving, having the heart to help others,” Junior Achievement Development Manager Brian Jackson said.

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma aims to find creative ways to teach students.

During the “BizTown” event, students put in work running over 14 Oklahoma businesses to learn about finances. Students used their hard-earned pretend money to donate to the Salvation Army Red Kettle program.

“An experience I never had and I'm lucky to do it and I'm glad other people can too,” said Sand Springs 5th Grader Jillian Brown.

"To help others and encourage them,” Sand Springs 5th Grader Anna Ladri said.

Students donated nearly 70 dollars to the red kettle, which Junior Achievement staff turned into a real check for the Salvation Army.

"It's truly inspiring to be in this place and see young minds try learning, understanding and growing and [I’m] just happy to be a part of this today,” Salvation Army Captain Dan Nelson said.

News On 6's Dominique O'Neill had the story.