1,400 Pounds in Change Collected for Pennies for Police Dogs Drive

Children and adults around the county emptied out their penny cans and secret change stashes for a good cause this month, contributing more than 1,400 pounds of change to Pennies for Police Dogs charity Drive.

This year's competition started on Feb. 27 and ran through March 9. This is the third year that area schools competed to see who could raise the most money to help fight canine cancer. More than $10,500 was raised in the first two years. This was the first year area middle schools were included.

The top three elementary and the top middle school will receive visits from local K-9 units as well as K-9 demonstrations and touch-a-truck opportunities.

"Last year we had more than 900 pounds of change," Lt. Michael Barnhill said, local organizer for the event. " Credit Union let us count the change using a machine over there similar to a Coinstar. It took us over 10 hours to count it."

"More than 170 pounds was collected from Beulah Elementary School alone," Barnhill said. "They filled a bucket and a 70 pound bag."

Residents will have one last chance to donate during a the Sheriff's K-9 Unit  meet and greet event, to be held at the Gammill Building on Thursday, March 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.