A Penny Wars coin collection challenge for Kenosha’s McKinley Elementary School raised $554.70 to help economically challenged fifth-graders join their classmates on a camping trip. North Shore Bank contributed another $500 in matching funds, after members of the community donated their loose change throughout February at our three Kenosha branches.

Area branch manager Julie Goebel organized the Penny Wars collection after McKinley won won our “Make Change Happen” video challenge last November.

“The teachers were excited and said that a few more parents were able to volunteer to chaperone, now that the cost of students is so low,” Julie said. “The branches were very enthusiastic when a customer would ask what the donations would be used for, which really helped contribute to the success.”

She added that the relationship with the school continues to grow: “To keep the momentum going, I invited the fifth-graders to visit the bank to learn about finance and banking. We will be hosting a learning session this spring!”

Up top, McKinley fifth-grade teachers Katie Richards and Brian Zielsdorf accept a check from Kenosha Main teller supervisor Wanda Pillizzi and Julie. Above are thank-you letters from the classes after their “Make Change Happen” win, and the canisters to collect spare change.