FREEHOLD — Pupils at the Freehold Learning Center elementary school, Dutch Lane Road, have discovered that every penny really does count.
According to a press release, students at the school raised $527 for the Freehold Area Open Door through a “Change for Change” program.
The Freehold Area Open Door operates a food pantry that serves individuals in the region.
Between Jan. 20 and Feb. 20 the students collected more than 9,000 pennies, in addition to thousands of nickels, dimes and quarters. Pupils were provided with instructions and a plastic bag they could use to collect spare change from cars, couches and other places where coins might be hiding.
This was the first time a community service project of this kind was held at the school. “Change for Change” was sponsored by the PTO.
Kevin Tennant, the president of the Freehold Learning Center PTO, said he could not be more pleased with the way things turned out.
“The children at the Freehold Learning Center far exceeded our expectations,” Tennant said. “They understand how important it is to help others in their community and that every donation sent in would make a difference.”
Jeanne Yaecker, the executive director of Freehold Area Open Door, said she was “truly touched” by the generosity of the students.
“Children seem to respond to things in a greater way than we ever expect,” Yaecker said. “We shouldn’t underestimate their ability. Their donations will provide approximately 480 meals. That’s quite an accomplishment.”

