For the past three years, Gary Blake from March of Dimes has worked with Creekside Elementary School principal Robin Earl to raise money to support research and programs that work to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

Blake said that with the help of Earl and third grade Creekside teacher Michelle Blake, he is able to hand out approximately 700 March of Dimes banks to students in the school every year, and then collects them a week later. Blake offers a $100 gift card to each of the three classes that raise the most money.

“The gift cards are a reward to be used for class supplies,” Blake said. “The teachers usually have the students give recommendations on what to buy and vote on what will be purchased.”

On April 30, Blake stopped by Creekside to deliver a Platinum award to three classrooms, honoring them for their fundraising efforts. This year, the students at Creekside raised $3,987.

“They have raised $11,284 the past three years, which is amazing for an elementary school, and very appreciated by the March of Dimes,” Blake said.