By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Over the course of five days, students at Helena Intermediate School arrived at school with heavier than usual pockets.

The school held its annual “Coin Drive” in which students brought as many coins as possible to help raise money to make improvements to HIS.

The largest annual fundraiser for the school, the 2017 fundraiser was dubbed, “Barking for Bucks Coin Drive” with a fundraising goal of $20,000.

Because of the school closings from Hurricane Irma, the fundraiser did not start until Wednesday, Sept. 13, but the students were ready as the coins came flowing in.

Each day of the week brought a different theme for students and teachers to dress up and bring in as much spare change as possible.

Throughout the week, teachers, students and parents helped collect pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters for a daily prize.

On Wednesday, the theme was “Patriotic and Superheroes for Pennies,” as teachers and students dressed patriotic or in superhero gear and collected as many pennies as possible.

Thursday was “Nighttime for Nickels,” as students and faculty dressed in pajamas.

Friday was “Decades for Dimes” with a hippy, disco and grunge 80s theme.

Monday was “Quarterbacks for Quarters,” as students sported their favorite team gear.

Lastly, Tuesday was “Huskies Barking for Bucks,” as students and teachers wore their favorite Helena Huskies gear.

The classes that collected the most change were rewarded by having a class party at the end of each day that ranged from giant Pixy Stix’s, McDonald’s chicken nuggets, donuts, hot dogs, bone-shaped Huskies cookies and more.

Michelle Coggins, coordinator of fundraising with the Helena Intermediate School PTO, said the fundraiser is only successful each year because of the help and support from local businesses.

“I just really want to emphasize how important it is that we get help from these businesses,” Coggins said. “Mike Krough with Krough’s Funding Service lets us use their coin counter, Helena True Value donated 40 buckets for us to have and use and McDonald’s, Publix and Golden Rule all donated food for the top classes to eat. It really says a lot about this community.”

All of the money raised from the coin drive will go toward the construction of an outdoor track at the school and various fitness stations.

The grand prize for the class that raises the most money overall will be taken to Top It Off Frozen Yogurt in Helena to celebrate.