SELINSGROVE -- Classrooms at the Selinsgrove Elementary School, Jackson-Penn Elementary School and Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School conducted a coin drive for the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, raising more than $2,300 for the third time.

Each elementary and intermediate school classroom was challenged to raise the most money by collecting pennies and other change. The winning classroom in each grade won a pizza party.

Keri Albright, president and chief executive officer of the United Way, said that in the past six years, the students have raised more than $10,000 for the annual campaign.

She added: "I was told that many of these kids are saving their change all year long just for this one event. They take pride in trying to collect as much money as possible and understand on their level that they are really helping others in doing it. Occasionally, I hear they've swiped a wedding ring or two while gathering change from a parent's dresser, but the school staff recovered those and they have been returned."

Eric Rowe, a member of the United Way board and president of the Selinsgrove school board, said, "Getting these kids committed to thinking about their communities and helping others early on will hopefully last a lifetime."

Albright agreed, saying: "I think I can speak on behalf of all nonprofit groups when I say a huge thanks to the teachers and administrators of the Selinsgrove Area School District for helping parents instill those values in the kids. Without the initiative of the district, there would be no coin drive for the United Way."

The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way has topped the $625,000 mark in its effort to raise $765,000 this year. For information about the 2008 campaign or to make a donation, call Albright at 988-0993.