Hilton students collect "Pennies for Peace"

Hilton's Northwood and Village Elementary schools are concerned about education.  They are collecting pennies to send to an international agency which helps build schools.  This year the third grade classes have been involved in a project called Pennies for Peace.  It’s based on the work of Greg Mortensen author of Three Cups of Tea who builds schools in the poorest villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

Northwood Library/Media Specialist and teacher Jenn Roberts' students and families brought in $759.45 to send to Afghanistan to help buy school supplies and build schools.  Mrs. Roberts sixth graders rolled most of the pennies as a service project. 

"As we continue our collection of pennies to help build schools for the children of Afghanistan and Pakistan, we felt it was important to re-visit our purpose and renew our dedication to this worthwhile cause," she added.  "Pennies for Peace is an organization devoted to help students broaden their cultural horizons and learn about their capacity as philanthropists. It educates children about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Students learn that by sharing their virtually worthless pennies, they can bring hope and educational opportunities to these impoverished children.  We are proud of the giving of our children, even in these tough economic times!  We have collected over$400." 

 Pennies for Peace website at www.penniesforpeace.org