It's war; Penny Wars, that is

BY LAELA ZAIDI
Staff Writer
Who knew pennies could make a difference? This Christmas, East Middle School is going to do just that! EMS Student Council has put together a Penny Wars fundraiser to help under privileged children get toys for Christmas through a program called Toys for Tots.
Penny Wars is a competition, or war, to see which grade can get the most pennies. Putting silver coins and dollars in anybody’s jar takes points away from them. In the end, the grade with the best score wins! The winner receives one amazing extra Eagle Time in the morning.
Mr. Rocky Biggers, Student Council sponsor, said South Middle School has been doing Penny Wars for over ten years; it was practically a tradition. Kids have always been giving money, but this year even with the economy in turmoil, kids have been giving more than ever.
In order to pick the families that receive the toys, EMS buys the toys from Wal-Mart, Target, or Toys ‘R’ Us, takes them to the fire department, and then the fire department takes the toys to the families. Mr. Biggers explained that STUCO does not take them directly to the families in order to keep confidentiality of the kids who receive the toys, since some of them might be from East.
Other school activities that help fund Toys for Tots are concession stand, candy grams, and the new 50/50 Raffle during girl’s basketball games. The winning grade will be announced Friday, December 18th.
East Middle School is definitely going to make this a new tradition! “Raising money for our community makes you feel like you’ve done something good,” said Drew Cox, member of Student Council.