SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
It all started when Tayvin Schmoll's 5th grade teacher told his class she had breast cancer.
Wanting to help, he started fundraising. Now, two years later, he's still going strong.
"Every kid loves suckers and even some adults like suckers, so why not?" said 11-year-old Tayvin Schmoll.
And that's how seventh grader decided on his latest fundraiser.
Through sucker sales, he's raising money for the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City.
"We went online and found that candy company and asked if they would donate some suckers," said Tayvin.
The candy company agreed and sent Tayvin 1,280 lollipops.
"I said 'what?' and I said 'ok, that sounds good," he said.
He's selling the suckers for a buck every Saturday at Sioux City Fareway stores.
"I'm happy I put my time into it. It goes to a good cause."
This is actually Tayvin's 4th fundraiser. Over the last two years, he's raised nearly $2,500 for the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. He's collected cash and sold pencils.
"Sometimes I think 'man, this is crazy,' but it's worth it just knowing that you are trying to help someone out," says Tayvin.
It's donations, like Tayvin's, that help patients at the cancer center get the treatments they need.
"Tayvin has really set a good example for the people in our area, especially kids, that you can do a little bit or you can do a lot and it's going to make a difference," said Pat Hubbard, Director of Fund Development with June E. Nylen Cancer Center.
And to make his biggest donation yet, Tayvin swears he'll sell every single sucker.
"I will no matter how much time it takes, I will," said Tayvin.
This Saturday, Tayvin will be selling his suckers at the Riverside Fareway and on September 15th he'll be at the Fareway on Sergeant Road.
If he doesn't sell all of them by then, he says he'll head out to nearby towns to sell his suckers.
