LENDING A HAND — Children and staff at Hooverson Heights Primary School stood flamingos bearing the names of local residents who have battled cancer as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, generating $400. Those taking part included, from left, front, Gia Lyle, Margo Baldauf, Jojo DiMarzio, Cayson Huff and David Simakis; and back, teacher and co-ordinator Matt Vein, Kyrsten Myers, Delaynie Campinelli, Arah DeMaria and Ann Bendle. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — Children and staff at Hooverson Heights Primary School invited area residents to remember loved ones who have battled cancer as a fundraiser to support the ongoing war against the disease.

Those who have passed the Brooke County school, located at the intersection of Rockdale and May roads, have likely seen the many plastic flamingos planted on its front lawn. Each bears the name of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, with each sponsored by someone close to that person.

Matt Vein, a special education teacher at the school, coordinated the effort. He said the $5 sponsorships quickly added up to $400, which was donated to the American Cancer Society to aid in its efforts to find a cure for the disease, educate the public about prevention and treatment and assist many who are battling it.

Vein said the money will be presented to organizers of the Brooke-Hancock Relay for Life, which raises money for the cause each year.

“I have had multiple family members affected by cancer, as many area residents have,” Vein said.

He said the idea arose in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and because pink is the color used to represent breast cancer on ribbons and clothing, flamingos seemed a good choice for the endeavor. Vein added people diagnosed with various forms of the disease are being remembered through the flamingos.

Brian Beatty, the school’s prevention resource officer, confirmed the artificial birds have drawn the attention of many in the community, saying, “There have been a lot of comments on social media about how nice it looked.”

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)