Find a penny, pick it up, put it in your jug, and watch your class’ points erupt.

The SAC is sponsoring a Penny War service project this week in which classes compete to collect the most pennies. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Birthright, an international organization of crisis pregnancy centers.

SAC moderator Rodney Johnson explains that this method of fundraising is “something different to raise money and awareness.”

Each class received a large water jug to collect coins. Whenever a penny is added to a class’ water jug, one point will be gained. Whenever any other denomination of money is added to the jug, points will be deducted equal to the amount of the coin or dollar.

At the end of the week, the points for each class will be counted, and the class with the most points will receive an out-of-uniform day.  The date is yet to be determined. Johnson explained that this “incentive of an out-of-uniform day will help spur interest.”

Despite this, some students feel negatively about the fundraiser and their class’ efforts.  “My class doesn’t take it seriously, and they really don’t care about it,” senior Nandin Dave said.

“There’s no sophomore jar yet, so my class really doesn’t care,” sophomore Matt Wagner said.

Some students think that the word about the fundraiser could have been spread more efficiently.  “I think [the fundraiser] is a good idea, but they could do a better job advertising it,” freshman Kathy Deaver said.

Freshman class president Austin Eiseman tried to stir up enthusiasm in his class, but for some students this did not have the desired effect.  “That [Eiseman] kid came up to me with a jar and asked me to give him a penny, but I said no because I didn’t know what he was talking about,” freshman Camille Smith said.

Junior class president Hannah Jacques is also trying to encourage her fellow juniors to participate.  “I am trying to encourage people by telling everyone in my classes to bring in their pennies and to bring in their quarters, dollars, and nickels to put in the other jugs.  This is definitely something we need to keep doing to help out different organizations and to keep up the school spirit,” she said.

Principal Madelyn Ball originally came up with the idea for a Penny War for Birthright. “Where I used to be, we had these all the time. There’s a little fun, some class competition, and it benefits those who need us,” Ball said.

Junior Kiana Wright thinks it is a creative and exciting idea. “I think it was a very nifty idea. It’s a great way to raise money in a fun way. I think everyone is getting excited about it more so than the dress down day,” Wright said.

According to their website, Birthright “helps any girl or woman regardless of age, race, creed, marital, or economic status, who feels distressed by an unplanned pregnancy.”

Respect Life Club president Nick Henninger’s mother is on the board at Birthright, so he is all for the cause. “Birthright serves as an important outlet for women experiencing a crises pregnancy. They provide services as far ranging as free pregnancy tests, maternity clothes, and baby supplies to confidential support and referrals to government and adoption agencies,” Henninger said.

“There is a need for education so people know that Birthright is available,” Ball said.

“Crises pregnancies are, by their very nature, complex and difficult situations.  Studies show that a large percentage of women who have had an abortion believe they would not have done so had they received adequate support beforehand. Birthright makes women free to see how keeping their child or giving it up for adoption are workable options. Our funds will help to spread the message of Birthright to women searching for a helping hand,” Henninger said.

Johnson is not sure if the penny wars will be used in the future. “Depends on how it goes. If we could raise a couple hundred dollars, it’ll be worth doing again,” Johnson said.

[Updated 2/22] According to Johnson, the junior class won the Penny War with a total of 1,128 points. This was the only score above zero. The freshman class came in second with -200 points, while the sophomore class came in third with -620 points. The senior class was far behind with -3,790 points.

The funds totaled approximately $175, and the SAC will round it up to $250 to donate.

Adam Kuester is a News Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.

 Additional reporting by Brianna Glase and Martha Schick.