St. Paul Lutheran Church, Second Baptist Church, and Santa Fe Methodist Church combined their efforts to hold a Vacation Bible School in late July. They decided to have a competition to see who could bring in the greatest weight in pennies, the girls or the boys. The Girls team won by bringing in over 10 pounds of pennies and other change for a total value of $87.10. The Boys team brought in over 9 pounds of pennies with a total value of $76.70. In addition, the adults that attended the final session donated $81.20 for a total of $245.00.

The donations will give a head start to the Fort Madison Area United Way’s Pennies for People school-based penny drive which is held in October.  

Pictured with their collection containers are Dezire and Mario Kline along with Connie Storms, United Way Director holding the  envelope with Penny Drive proceeds.

A total of 23 local human service organizations will benefit from the United Way campaign providing services such as groceries, utilities, supplements for children from low income families to participate in youth sports and programs, and programs helping to reduce local child and substance abuse.

For more information about Fort Madison Area United Way, visit their office at 703 Ave. G, Fort Madison, or call 319-372-3585