Dexter, Missouri - Not only did the 2nd grade students at Southwest Elementary color Poppy flowers in art class, but they held a Coin Drive. 

Sgt. William J. Nelson of the 1221st Transportation Company in Dexter, who also served 13 months in Iraq, came and spoke to the students about his career in the military and the different organizations that could benefit from a fundraiser. 

The students decided on a "Coin Drive".  For just one week, the children were encouraged to bring coins to school as part of a special contest.  As an incentive, the winning classroom would decide the organization that would receive the money raised by the entire 2nd grade and they would also be awarded a special party.

The total amount raised included 20,005 pennies, 4,999 nickels, 1,800 dimes, 404 quarters, 4 half dollars, a bobby pin, 6 screws, a few nails, a couple of Chucky Cheese tokens and some casino tokens for a grand total of $734.00!

Mrs. LeeAnn Nelson's classroom raised the most money with a total of $213.00.    Mrs. Nelson's class chose Gobbler's Ridge Farm owned by Tom Love.  This is a 125 acre area known to be the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility which can accommodate disabled veterans to hunt, bird watch or just view nature at no cost through a cooperative effort with the American Legion Post #59.

Mr. Love was available to accept the check and was pleasantly surprised!  His dream has become reality and the community has been extremely gracious!  A big thank you to all of the 2nd graders who helped raise money for the Disable Veterans Wildlife Facility.  It went to a great cause!