So Your School is hosting a
Jar War, Change Challenge, or Penny Drive?
Whatever you call it, it’s a great, low pressure way to allow every student to participate in your
Jump Rope/Hoops For Heart event and support our mission!
Low pressure can still be high FUN!
So how do you make the most of this activity? Below are a few ideas:
Remember the Why. You do this for a reason. Share it!
• Send home information to parents. Start with our Parent Letter and modify as needed. They’ll not
only dig out their own loose change, but also appreciate your hard work and support of our mission.
• Combine the drive with a door decorating contest. Each classroom can decorate their classroom door
with a “How We Can Be/Are Healthy.”
• Put your change jars in the cafeteria, office, or other central place, then build a Memory/Tribute Wall
of paper hearts. Kids who donate can place a heart on the wall.
• Ask for our passion posters of students survivors to help students relate to those whom they are helping by donating.
Reach for the Sky. Everyone loves a little competition. Make it fun and rewarding to participate.
• Divide the school in half. “PE Teacher’s side vs. Principal” “Loser” has to wear a ridiculous wig or
the college apparel of the “winner.” Or organize it as staff vs. students. Winners get to wear
pajamas/hats to school.
• Ask us for an American Heart Association T-shirt or other prize for the top classroom teacher.
• Give the top class their choice of PE activities for a day or two - or support their teacher and give
them extra PE time (More prep for the teacher.)
• Ask a local business to donate a prize for the top class.
• Create a point system where bills/quarters are minus points - you can lower another team’s score by
adding money to their jar. Alternatively - bills are worth bonus points - 110 pts instead of 100.
Try, Try, Try. Remember that we shouldn’t deny children/families the opportunity to support something they
care about. So try something new, the results may surprise you.
• Make announcements about the drive and how to be heart-healthy in the mornings. (I have a list!)
• Post a scoreboard to track ongoing results - points for $$ and physical activities in the classroom.
• Celebrate what you’ve achieved with a student-staff basketball game or jump rope contest at the next
assembly. Top class gets to make a grand entrance!
• Local banks cannot only count the money - they might even match part of it!
Every penny holds the promise of healthier hearts and longer lives for
our students and our communities. Thank you for your support.