One penny at a time, students at Adams Elementary School raised $1,200 for charities of their choice during a spring fundraising drive.

The children collected coins, filling up 30 bags for the Penny Harvest campaign. The 55 schools that participated brought in a total of $64,333.73.

Parent Bobbi Windus, who helped organize the coin drive, said the students were very excited to do it and Penny Harvest turned into a huge learning experience for the students.

They invited several groups in for interviews, to determine where to donate the money.

The Doney Memorial Pet Clinic and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance both received $400. The Ballard Food Bank was given $200.

The students decided to give money to a scrip fund in honor of teacher Joseph Skillings who is still recovering from injuries from an assault earlier this year. He had come to the aid of a woman who was being harassed at the bus stop and was attacked by a male suspect.

The scrip funds are gift certificates purchased from local businesses at a discount and are sold to the public at face value. The school keeps the extra proceeds.

The students did their homework on the issues they were considering for support.

During the interview process, Sue Joerger director of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance was asked many pointed questions. Her organization monitors pollution in local waters and has helped the state levy fines for violators.

"The interview process was very thorough. They asked 'Why is it legal to pollute? It's exciting. It's the most fun grant I ever got," said Joerger.

The food bank provides a critical service, feeding the needy, while operating a clothing bank and meal program.

"It's fabulous to see kids part of our social network and making change," said Nancy McKinney, director of the Ballard Food Bank.

Karah Florendia, a fourth grader said it felt good to participate in Penny Harvest.

"I felt like more than just helping people. It's like helping the whole world," Florendia said.

Both Isabella Corsaro, fifth grade and Sadie Sotelo, fourth grade, liked the work done by the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.

"I like how they clean up and sue businesses for breaking the law," said Corsaro.

"They are cleaning up the environment and stopping pollution. They help animals and us, by keeping the water clean," said Sotelo.

When word about the Penny Harvest got out, Ballard residents brought in donations to the school office with 117 checks adding to the total.

"It's wonderful and inspiring. It gives you hope for the world," said Mike Beebe, program director for Solid Ground, which is running Penny Harvest campaign at the local level.

Dean Wong may be contacted at deanw@robinsonnews.com or 783.1244.