We did a change drive one year. Even though it was interupted by snow days we still made $1200.00! We are low income too. I went from classroom to classroom explaining to the kids it was for mulch. We did not want them to break their piggy banks and if they found loose change lying around to make sure and ask for permission before they brought it in. One 5th grade class decided not to participate because they were not going to experience the benefits of not having a shoe full of jack rocks at recess. They were tactful about it though. The goal was the classroom with the most change was to get a pizza party but we did so well that we let those who raised over $100.00 have other parties like popcorn and cotton candy.

We ran it for a month. Our treasurer was also our librarian she collected the money weekly. I am not sure if she counted it or the teachers did. She had our weekly winners announced on kid tv and at Success Celebration. The end we had bags and bags of money. I do remember counting money along with two other volunteers. You may want to see if your local bank has some extra money bags you can borrow just for this and they may also have a portable counting machine. If not I would just make sure I kept each class seperate and labeled and take it to the bank to be run through their machine. It would take forever to count all that.

Hi!! to get the parents involved, maybe tell them what the fundraiser is for like playground equip.(my old school did one for 9/11) have a classroom race.... the class that brings in the most pennies wins a pizza party or an extra recess..... make a flyer to send home. if you're wanting to raise a certain amt. of $, make a goal thermometer to show where you're at until the goal is reached. Good luck!!!! you can even get the public in on it, too.

We will be starting out Penny Drive at school soon. As I am new to being the President this year, the Penny Drive and how it usually happens is new to me as well and noone seems to know how it usually is run. We have a lower income based school and this is a good fundraiser for us as all students can help. Has anyone ever done a Penny Drive and what types of incentives or awards/prizes have you done?

Thanks in advance for your help.