by making sure everyone understands the double meaning of Pennies for the Planet slogan, “Because the planet needs some change.” First, it is a campaign to raise change in the form of money to help important environmental conservation projects. Second, it is a campaign to change attitudes and behaviors in favor of environmental stewardship and active involvement in local projects to benefit the community and the planet.
or the amount of money you’ll raise and involvement in activities that promote environmental stewardship. Make sure the goals are realistic to ensure that Pennies for the Planet is a positive experience for all involved.
that reflects the commitment everyone is making. One or two months is a reasonable timeframe for carrying out a true fundraising campaign.
Keep a large container in a place where everyone can see
it as money is added. The larger the container, the more motivating it will be to fill it up. A large plastic pretzel jug or a delivery-service water container works well. Let kids decorate the container.
- Make a large thermometer out of cardboard or draw a bar graph on the board. Let the kids color it in as money is collected. Or, distribute copies of a fundraising thermometer or bar graph to everyone and let kids keep track of progress on their own copies.
- Make a large paper chain, adding links for a certain increment in money raised—10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, or 1 dollar. Display the chain on the wall so kids can watch it grow.
- Give kids the responsibility, on a rotating basis, for counting and rolling the coins collected.
- Set aside time each week to report on and celebrate progress, count the money, update the funds-raised thermometer or graph, or make links for the chain.
Choose a day for the end-of-campaign celebration. Earth Day is a good day to celebrate the accomplishment in terms of money raised and the spirit of environmental
There are some suggestions for raising money during your Pennies for the Planet campaign. Encourage kids and parents to come up with others.
Kids can walk or ride bikes to school instead of being driven by their parents. Parents can donate money for the gas saved.
Invite parents to have a Pennies for the Planet yard sale, with some or all of the proceeds going to Pennies for the Planet. This not only raises money but also demonstrates the principle of reusing rather than throwing away.
Hold a bake sale featuring items that draw attention to the projects of this year's campaign. You can make plover egg macaroons, panther pastries, and alligator cookies, and much more. Create informational tags about the animal or habitat represented by each item. You might add: “Your pennies will go toward protecting these and other wild creatures and their habitats around the planet. Thank you!”
Contact a local park or community group about organizing a day for planting, weeding, or cleaning up a natural area. Announce the event to the press, distribute flyers, and make posters to advertise the day and place. Set up a table to collect donations on the day of the event, as the members of the community can see firsthand how kids are dedicated to helping the environment and contribute to the effort themselves.
Get local businesses involved. Ask them for permission to place Pennies for the Planet collection jars at the checkout or set up a table outside the store. Ask businesses to match Pennies for the Planet donations, dollar for dollar or a percentage of the amount raised. Make sure participating businesses are acknowledged at your