In this world small actions can make a big difference. Pennies are thrown into a donation bucket. The pennies become dollars and with hope that the dollars will lead to the end of a disease that strikes thousands each year.

Rotary International has been working for over 35 years to fight and eradicate polio, and part of this effort includes asking their affiliate clubs to hold fundraisers collecting change donations called Pennies for Polio. Willis’s Interact Club encourages students to participate in this service project annually, and this year will be no different.  The event will begin today, September 27.

In a strange stage between adulthood and childhood, it can be hard for high school students to feel like they have enough power to make a difference. Helping organizations like this can make an impact outside the classroom and help the entire world. 

Interact members set up at lunches in both the main building and CTE cafeterias and get to walk around and ask for change. Doing this helps promote the club and the charity, connecting the student body to groups that serve a bigger purpose than our just district or our town, but the world. Helping Rotary do work like this encourages students to use their voices and bring out the good in others. 

Giving back to the community is a great way to inspire acts of kindness that can radiate around our high school. Everyone loves that warm-fuzzy feeling you get from doing something bigger than yourself. For only a few pennies, nickels, or dimes, you get the chance to support something timeless: helping others. 

Students should take advantage of this chance to do good by doing something small. Pennies for Polio is just one of many simple ways students can help make this world a better place and make a difference.