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Yvonne's Granddaughters Carry On Turkey Fund Tradition

MT. LEBANON (KDKA) -- Nora and Tess Conaway are taking over a labor of love for their grandma.

"I think it's for my LaLa because we're helping people," says Tess.

They call her "LaLa" – she was Yvonne to us – and her life was a song that touched so many other lives.

"Before she died she told my Mom to carry it on for her," remembers Nora.

Nora, 8, and Tess, 6, are leading the drive at Lincoln Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon where they've already raised more than $5,000 for this year's KDKA Turkey Fund!

Here's what their classmates have to say.

"The Tooth Fairy gave me $20 and I really wanted to keep it - but I just gave it to the Turkey Fund."

"My Dad donates to kids in Africa – and I feel like I'm following in his footsteps."

"I think it's the least we can do for the poor."

Nora's third grade class and Tess's first grade class are competing in a one day challenge.

Principal Jim Salerno is pumping up the volume.

"To bring in the most money today and I will match it up to $250," he said.

It was Nora's idea to ask merchants along nearby Beverly Road to put collection buckets in their stores.

Nora and Tess know that they have much to be thankful for – beginning with LaLa who taught them about the gift of giving back.

"She would say, 'I'm so glad they're doing it,'' says Tess.

And Nora adds, "She's still helping but we just can't see her."

You can still become one of the "givers" in this year's KDKA Turkey Fund - $15 feeds one family.

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