Students Load Benefit Haul Of Million Pennies

Sirens, flashing lights and a military escort accompanied more than 1 million pennies to Evans Valley Elementary School on Friday as students looked back on the two years it took to get them.

Students gathered around a National Guard flatbed truck to see the 7,175 pounds of coins collected from donation jars and fundraisers.

The pennies went from the Valley of the Rogue Bank to the school. Volunteers helped load the 205 bags, each containing $50 in pennies.

Wimer is a small community northeast of Grants Pass.

Fifth-grader Bud McLaughlin said he was happy the drive was over. “It feels like a thousand pounds in my arms,” he said after hefting a bag.

Penny drive organizer Lynn Nelson said workers aren’t certain what the school will buy with the more than $10,000 in pennies.

A committee will decide, but options include library books, a computer and repairs to an aging public announcement system in the gym.