Penny Harvest

The annual Penny Harvest program engages over 500,000 children nationwide in civic education and service learning. In 2006-07 students gathered an astonishing amount of pennies – 220 tons or $711,394.58! Every cent was reinvested in the community organizations and service projects of the students’ choice.

Students on Philanthropy Round Tables studied community problems and determined viable solutions, then made cash grants to almost 1,000 organizations with the pennies they collected earlier in the year. Finally, they conducted close to 350 Neighborhood Service Projects, working to better their communities hands-on.

The Penny Harvest shows children they have the ability to make the world a better place by introducing them to the power of philanthropy and service during their formative years. As children help others, they develop their generosity and moral character, and they learn through practice the skills and responsibilities of democratic participation.

 

Find all the tips and tools you need, including sample letters and scripts at www.PennyHarvest.org/neighbors or from your child’s teacher. For more information or to get involved, contact pennyharvest@marylinelementary.com. For national information, contact Common Cents at 212-PENNIES and visit the website at www.PennyHarvest.org