It is a tradition that Ironton Middle School students have decided is worth continuing. Because of their generosity, three needy children will have a merry Christmas.

Again this year, students pitched in their pennies to help purchase three new bikes that will be given away to three needy children.

"We put a couple of cans in the cafeteria and kids put in money when they bought their lunches," IMS teacher George Gagai said. "There were a few outside donations. About half the money (donated) came in two or three big donations. The rest came in pennies and nickels and dimes."

The tradition was started several years ago when another teacher, the late Glenn Holmes, put a can on his desk and collected money to buy a new bike. Holmes died two years ago but the example he set has not only continued but grown.

"The kids got excited when they saw the bikes setting there by the Christmas Tree.

They can see something tangible for their efforts," Gagai said. " I think it's great. It's such a nice thing he started. I'm tickled to keep doing it."

The bikes will be sent to Whitwell and Kingsbury elementary schools and given to children there.