Madison Heights, MI (October 19, 2009) -  More than ever, students can benefit from the experience of helping others. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) School & Youth Programs  is a service learning program that is simple for schools to implement and gives children the opportunity to learn how valuable their efforts can be to people battling cancers like leukemia.

Last school year, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Michigan Chapter was able to recruit over 860 schools; bringing in over half a million dollars though School & Youth Programs. Hoping to surpass that amount for the upcoming school year, LLS Michigan plans to recruit over 900 schools and raise over $635,000. So far 241 Michigan schools have signed up to participate, but there is still time for more schools to participate. Schools can participate in the programs throughout the 2009-10 school year.

The School & Youth Programs provide a meaningful way for kids to help kids. Each school year thousands of students across the country learn about the value of community service while raising money to help find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Students collect spare change from family and friends with top fundraising classrooms winning an Olive Garden luncheon, Hungry Howie's pizza party or other great prizes.

"The School & Youth programs give students an opportunity to learn the value of helping others and to feel pride in their own ability to contribute" says Tracy Romeo, campaign director for the program. "During these difficult economic times we are experiencing an increase in patient requests for financial aid and the funds raised through this program help provide services to local patients."

During the 2008-09 school year, students across the country raised approximately $19 million by collecting spare change to help fund cancer research and provide services to patients and their families.

School & Youth Programs include:
• Pennies for Patients®: Value-building program for elementary and secondary schools.  Students collect funds, starting with their own spare change, used to support the research and patient services programs of LLS. The program takes place during a three week period of their choice. The top fundraising class receives a Hungry Howie's pizza party (minimum donations apply.)
• Olive Garden's Pasta for Pennies: Similar to Pennies for Patients, this program is sponsored by Olive Garden Restaurant.  Students collect spare change, and the class raising the most money in each school receives a pasta party courtesy of Olive Garden.
• HOP for Leukemia & LymphomaSM:  HOP is an energizing program that allows pre-schoolers and early elementary school students to earn great prizes by collecting pledges and donations.

For more information on the School & Youth Programs, or to learn how to register your school, visit www.schoolandyouth.org, or contact the Michigan Chapter at (248) 581-3943.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. 

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.