What started as a simple school fundraiser has grown into something much bigger.
Each year, students at Chase Middle School, Sacajawea Middle School and now Peperzak Middle School come together for a friendly competition known as the Golden Gallon, or “Penny the Pig.” The tradition began in 2017, when Chase Middle School’s ASB created Penny the Pig and challenged Sacajawea to a penny drive. This year marked Peperzak’s first time joining the effort, bringing new energy to a growing South Hill tradition.
Together, these three schools raised an impressive $9,071.71Â for Joya.
- Sacajawea Middle School: $3,931.86
- Peperzak Middle School: $3,597.58
- Chase Middle School: $1,542.27
While the competition adds excitement, what stands out most is what happens behind the numbers.
At Peperzak, the newest middle school in Spokane Public Schools, the Golden Gallon became an opportunity to build something foundational. Guided by their motto, Be Kind. Work Hard. All Day. Every Day., students embraced the drive not just as a fundraiser, but as a way to give back and connect with their broader community.
Many students came into middle school already familiar with Joya through elementary school participation. For some families, the connection runs even deeper, with current students having received services from Joya. That personal connection helped turn participation into something meaningful.
Throughout the drive, students showed up in ways, both big and small. ASB leaders organized daily collections, setting up grade-level competitions and tracking progress in real time. Hallways became hubs of energy, with students dropping coins, bills and everything in between into clear containers, watching their collective impact grow day by day.
What followed was more than just fundraising.
Students encouraged one another to contribute, sometimes choosing to give up small daily comforts to support the cause. Every contribution was recognized, whether it was a handful of coins or a larger gift. The result was a shared sense of purpose that extended beyond any single classroom or grade.
Even without taking home the Golden Gallon, Peperzak students celebrated a major milestone, surpassing their $3,000 goal in their first year. More importantly, they experienced what it looks like to work together toward something that benefits others.
That sense of connection extends across all three schools. What began as a friendly rivalry has evolved into a broader South Hill effort, one that builds relationships between students who will eventually attend the same high schools and continue shaping their community together.
For Joya, the impact of the Golden Gallon goes well beyond the funds raised. It reflects something deeper – a community of young people learning that their actions matter.
As one teacher shared, the takeaway is simple but powerful: giving, no matter the size, can make a difference. And when a community comes together around a shared goal, that impact grows even stronger.
This is what community looks like. And it’s being built, one coin at a time.
Interested in bringing a penny drive or school-based fundraiser to your campus?
Joya is always looking to partner with schools and student groups who want to make a difference in a hands-on, meaningful way. Our team can help you get started, provide materials and support your students in creating a successful and engaging campaign.Â
Reach out to Joya’s Community Outreach & Volunteer Manager, Tammy Sweeney, at tammy.sweeney@joya.org to learn more about how your school can get involved.
