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 | Pennies for Fire Trucks |
WHAT?
A children’s and young people’s national campaign to honor the rescue workers who were hurt or killed while trying to save others following the cowardly attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
WHO?
Students and teachers in numerous schools worked with sponsoring Newspapers In Education programs throughout the United States, Australia and Canada to collect pennies (and larger coins, if possible) to honor the fallen heroes by replacing firefighting equipment lost in the tragedy. According to news reports, the New York Fire Department lost about 60 fire trucks as the World Trade Center collapsed.
WHEN?
The campaign began on Sept. 13, 2001, two days after the WTC attack. Most of the campaigns ran through Oct. 30, 2001.
Cards from Kathy Holt’s 1st Grade Class |
WHY?
The coordinators and managers of Newspapers In Education programs heard that many children felt helpless following the tragic series of events that have unfolded in New York City and Washington, D.C. They were too young to donate blood and it was not possible for them to write out a large check to help victims and their families. So the nation’s NIE professionals came up with this idea as a way for our youngest citizens to make a positive and powerful statement. New York City officials were notified about this effort.
HOW?
Children and young people collected their coins during the designated time period. Teachers and principals sent their checks to a local collection point. A bank in Texas was the national collection point. NIE managers and newspapers coordinated the effort to ensure that donors were comfortable that their donation was going to a legitimate cause and not one of the donation scams that have been reported, such as fraudulent phone solicitation banks.
WERE THERE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES?
Absolutely not! All collected funds - every penny - was given to the New York Fire Department. The goal was to help them replace at least one fire truck. If the department had other priorities, it could decide to allocate the fund as it wishes. This was a 100 percent volunteer effort. Administrative time and support, including promotional materials, were being donated.
WHERE WERE THE COLLECTION POINTS?
Officials at the First Bank Southwest in Perryton, Texas, volunteered to collect the funds from local banks and ensured that all money was given to the NYFD. All collections in Volusia/Flagler counties were sent to: NEW YORK FIRE TRUCK FUND, C/O SUNSHINE STATE COMMUNITY BANK, 4777 CLYDE MORRIS BLVD., PORT ORANGE, FL 32129
COULD INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATE?
Yes, if others wanted to help the children by donating, they could send a check or visit Sunshine State Community Bank.
The Fire Trucks
The Pennies
 | Teacher Dominic Scardigno presented a check for $1,259.21 from the children at Hurst Elementary School to Ed Roddy of Sunshine State Community Bank. |
Ed Roddy of Sunshine State Community Bank talked to Mr. Scardigno’s fourth-grade class at Hurst Elementary about the New York Fire Truck Fund. |  |
 | Ed Roddy of Sunshine State Community Bank joined Mr. Scardigno and his fourth-grade class at Hurst Elementary School. |
Students in Mr. Scardigno’s fourth-grade class at Hurst Elementary tried on some volunteer fire fighting equipment. |  |
 | Teacher Dominic Scardigno and Sunshine State Community Bank V.P. Ed Roddy smiled for the camera afer the presentation of Hurst’s check for $1,259.21 |
Chris and Brandon, from Mrs. Arnold’s class at Hurst Elementary, stood in front of the wall which was covered with writings and drawings. |  |
 | NIE Manager Nancy Govoni presented crystal apples filled with homemade candy to staffers at Sunshine State Community Bank as a thank you for their help with the New York Fire Truck Fund. |
Staffers of Sunshine State Community Bank read cards written to New York firefighters by students at South Daytona Elementary School. |  |
 | Ed Roddy, Vice President of Sunshine State Bank, smiled at the firefighter bear given to him by NIE Manager Nancy Govoni as a thank you for his help with the New York Fire Truck Fund. |
Close-up of the bear presented to Sunshine State Community Bank V.P. Ed Roddy. |  |
 | NIE Manager Nancy Govoni presented a certificate of appreciation to Ed Roddy, Vice president of Sunshine State Community Bank for helping with the New York Fire Truck Fund. |
NIE staffers Nancy Govoni and Christine George (standing) met with the staff of Sunshine State Community Bank to thank them for their help with the New York Fire Truck Fund. |  |
George Marks’ Red, White, and Blue Penny Power Assembly
 | The Pledge |
The Chorus |  |
 | The Presentation |
more Presentation |  |
 | Jar of Pennies |
Leadership Club |  |
 | Firetruck wishes |
Special Report: TERRORISM AND AMERICA |  |