Small change over six weeks accumulated to a big donation for the Boothbay Region Food Pantry. In March, Boothbay Region Elementary School students began waging their annual Penny Wars which resulted in $917.45 in contributions from pre-kindergarten to eighth graders. Each day, students brought in their spare change as part of LOAF’s (leaders organizing activities for schools) annual fundraising activity for the local food pantry.

This is the fourth year LOAF has raised money for the food pantry. Boothbay Region Food Pantry Co-President Fleet Davies told the three LOAF members, Grace Campbell, Suzie Edwards and Maya Pangburn, he would place the ceremonial over-sized check in the pantry with two others. “Your efforts allow us to buy food for 230 families on the peninsula. This room is filled with tables full of perishables, breads, produce and other donated items put out by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). A family can come every four weeks and we provide food for up to 45 families a week,” he said. 

In this year’s Penny War, the pre-kindergarten class donated the most money with $233. Throughout the year, the LOAF team members sacrifice their Friday recess and lunch period to organize fundraising activities.