ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 has raised over $11,000 to help local kids battling childhood cancer.
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During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart commended elementary school students and families for their efforts. Over the weeklong Sock It to Cancer campaign, students raised $11,683.22 for Kellsie’s Hope Foundation.
“Every Redbird, every coin makes a difference,” Hart said. “We’re proud of our students, staff and families for their compassion and generosity to raise such a substantial amount in such a short amount of time.”
Through the Sock It to Cancer campaign, Alton’s elementary and Mark Twain students decorated a sock and took it home for a week, where they collected spare change and donations.
This was Alton’s first time participating. The campaign is in its 14th year. In 2025, it raised $98,000 across 43 local schools for Kellsie’s Hope Foundation.
Started by Kellsie Marchbanks, Kellsie’s Hope Foundation raises money for kids impacted by childhood cancer. Marchbanks was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 15 and passed away in 2011. Her family has since built up the foundation to grant wishes to kids with cancer and scholarships to nursing students.
“Kellsie’s Hope is a 100% volunteer-run organization founded on courage, compassion and hope,” Hart explained. “Since 2012, Kellsie’s Hope has raised over $1.4 million, granted 160 wishes to children and their families, and awarded 68 nursing scholarships.”
An Alton High School alum received one of these nursing scholarships and reached out to Hart about the possibility of supporting the foundation. The district was more than happy to participate in the Sock It to Cancer campaign. Considering their success, Hart noted it will likely become an annual event within the school district.
“Kellsie’s light continues to shine, ensuring that no child faces cancer alone,” she added. “Thank you to our elementary schools and Mark Twain for partnering with us, and we look forward to increasing that amount next year.”
For more information about Kellsie's Hope Foundation, including how to support the organization, visit the official website at KellsiesHopeFoundation.com.
