This past week, the jingle, jangle of the season united with the sounds of laughter, galloping feet, and elated voices to create a choir that could be heard up and down the halls of Park View Elementary.
The familiar sounds of the season were not the traditional reverberation of bells or the perfected tone and pitch of those who move in unison through a piece of music, but rather the sounds of service and caring, as students dropped coins into jars which decked the halls of this school.
The annual Penny War was started three years ago at Park View under the direction of principal, Kristie Reynolds, and has benefited dozens of families struggling with overwhelming and far reaching challenges. “Last year we helped 10 families with Christmas. This year we expect about the same,” exclaimed Reynolds. “We are helping a little girl who has been diagnosed with leukemia. We also have several families that could use some extra money at Christmas. All families are part of Park View’s catchment area.”
Park View has had anywhere from $1,800.00 - $2,300.00 donated each year. The students and parents LOVE it. Many save money specifically for the Penny War. Once the money has been collected and accounted for, selected families are called, wish lists are created, and then the Student Council, along with parent volunteers and Mrs. Reynolds, spend the evening going shopping, wrapping presents, and building memories that will last a life time. The best part of the Penny War is knowing that others will have a Merry Christmas too.