DOWNEY -- Downey High School students are collecting spare pennies as it works to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Downey High participates in the Pennies for Patients fundraiser annually. Downey has been one of the top four fundraising schools in the nation the past five years, and the No. 1 school in the region the last eight years. In 2006, the Vikings were the top fundraising school in the nation, collecting $50,000. Over the past four years, Downey High has raised $198,425, school officials said. Downey High's ASB organizes the drive, and this year is led by senior Jessica Montoro. Nickelodeon star Simon Curtis, a cancer survivor himself, recently attended Downey's kick-off assembly. The drive runs through March 31. To donate to the fundraiser, call Cindy Foley at (562) 869-7301, ext. 5568. Checks can be made out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. ********** Published: March 6, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 46