Elliston gives back

ELLISTON, Ohio (WUPW) - In addition to American Idol giving back Wednesday evening, the town of Elliston is also giving back.

Elliston is the hometown of contestant Crystal Bowersox.

Her battle with Diabetes isn't exactly a secret. Early in the competition Idol switched nights the girls and guys would perform while she was hospitalized for complications with her disease.

No doubt when Idol Gives Back, Bowersox's hometown would make her proud.

Trinity United Church of Christ doesn't hold back when the celebrate.

For weeks the church and the rest of the Elliston community has been collecting money and selling t-shirts.

Their efforts culminated with a $5,000 check donated to Diabetes Youth Services, which is located in Toledo. The money will provide scholarships so kids can go to diabetes camp.

"Because that's where Crystal went as a young girl," said Steve Turnow, church council president. "She went there for Diabetes. She has. I think she is very impressed with that camp. She would be pleased to have that $5,000 go there."

"It means a huge amount to us," said Susan Harms of Diabetes Youth Services. "It costs about $1,000 to send a kid to camp, and as you can imagine that's a full ride for five kids. Or, if you divide it up, it can help many, many more."

Bowersox requested the money go to DYS so kids, like those who were in Ellison Wednesday evening who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes, can get the same benefits from the camp she did as a kid.

"Camp is all about fun," said Rachel Wilder. "And how even if you have Diabetes, you can do anything you want. I get mistaken a lot. You can't eat this food and you can't east that food. That makes me so angry."

"It's helped me learn a lot more about Diabetes and how to take care of it," Theresa Hornick added, "because I really wasn't that good and wasn't take care of it. But, yeah, it helps."

The community of Elliston plans to keep giving back. They will continue to sell t-shirts and collect donations so they can raise even more money to send even more kids to Diabetes camp.

Bowersox and five other contestants -- Lee Dewyze, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, and Siobhan Magnus -- are striving to become the next American Idol. Tim Urban was voted off the reality show.