On Thursday, members of the El Hasa Shriners Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 8, of Ironton, visited South Point Elementary School to reward the school’s third grade class.

The students had conducted a penny drive, along with Rock Hill students, and, for raising the most money, they were treated to a magic show.

Altogether, they raised more than $500 for the effort.

The drive takes place at the schools each year and is one of several fundraising activities the Shriners organize, including events such as Hillbilly Day at The Hills shopping plaza, as well as the annual onion and raffle ticket sales.

While a popular and fun staple of the annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, the Shriners main mission is a humanitarian one.

All funds go toward Shriners Children’s Hospitals, as well as the transportation fund to take families to the facilities, located in Lexington, Kentucky and Cincinnati.

We commend students at both South Point and Rock Hill for their work toward this cause and thank the Hillbillies for all that they do.