Merin Hettel, a preschooler from Wakeman, enjoys her pancake breakfast at IHOP in Elyria.

March 1, 2010 -- Students in the Lorain County JVS Early Childhood Education Program partnered with the JVS preschoolers to raise money for the Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network. Rainbow Babies Hospital is ranked #2 in neonatal care/NICU and is a world leader in the treatment of children. The students' goal was to raise money to support the efforts of the hospital and provide the children who are cared for with toys, games, and activities to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Each preschool student collected donations from their friends and family. The high school students also collected donations and sold stuffed bears during their JVS lunch periods.

A total of $890.18 was raised for the Children's Miracle Network/Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. In addition, as part of a national charity initiative and National Pancake Day, the students were invited to eat pancakes at IHOP in Elyria. They presented part of their donation to an IHOP representative for the Children's Miracle Network.

"I couldn't believe the excitement of both the preschool students and the high school students. It is such a worthwhile cause," commented Early Childhood Education instructor Hilary Hoak.