Last week 58 schools in the area joined over 1,000 schools nationwide - and nearly 500,000 students - as they began scouring their homes and neighborhoods for idle pennies.

From now until Thanksgiving students, together with their parents, will connect with extended families, friends, neighbors and businesses to help them better their communities by donating spare change.

"As students participate in Penny Harvest, they are literally creating their own philanthropic bank account," said Mike Beebe, the program director.

For over 16 years Penny Harvest, formerly known as Common Cents, has worked hand-in-hand with schools rallying students to make a difference in their neighborhoods. In 07/08 alone, over 17,000 students collected 9 plus tons of coins, raised $64,333.73, made 90 grants to community-based organizations, and completed 22 Neighborhood Service Projects.

Seattle School Board member Michael DeBell stated, "Participating in the Penny Harvest provides a profound lesson for kids-that they are learning and making connections to their communities ... Penny Harvest is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow."