GRATZ • A young lady’s commitment to helping others has once again been honored by Sentinel-area residents.
This year’s Pennies for Leader Dogs drive, organized by Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School student Breanna Davis, resulted in $3,019.33 in donations to Lions Clubs International for its program to provide canines to individuals with visual and other impairments.
Breanna’s initial drive, held for 74 days, raised $1,319.33, almost double from last year. She was surprised with two additional contributions – a $1,000 check from the MI Charitable Foundation (comprised of donations of $500 each from MI’s Gratz and Hegins plants); and $500 from Mid Penn Bank, which matched total donations up to $500.
In addition, Believe in Blessings Thrift Shop contributed $200 in Breanna’s name to Leader Dogs. Donations also were collected via jars at Kline Chiropractic in Gratz, Big B Manufacturing in Klingerstown, Stiely Auto Inc. in Hegins and Phoenix Reb in Frackville.
Breanna is the daughter of Brandon and Paula Davis. She is continuing a tradition started by Blake, her older brother and a Lions Club member. The money was counted at Mid Penn’s Elizabethville-area branch Dec. 14. ‘‘While we all waited to hear the total, which at the time came to $2,993.33, someone said, ‘‘Oh, come on, let’s reach in our pockets and make it an even $3,000,’’ Paula Davis noted on her Facebook page. ‘‘People at SEE • PAGE A8