Students and staff at Littlefork-Big Falls School learned last week every penny really does count.

Students recently completed a month-long fundraising initiative that raised $2,653 in loose change to be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to aid in cancer research and education.

“I’m so proud of our students and staff,” said Angie Williams, L-BF counselor and interventionist, of surpassing the school’s goal of raising $1,400. “It is amazing how much can be accomplished when we work together.”

Every year, Williams said she selects a fundraising program to allow students to give back to others. This year, the school participated in Pennies for Patients, a program that promotes teamwork among students to aid thousands of children and adults in the fight against blood cancers like leukemia.

L-BF principal Christopher Bachmeier said he was not only proud of the students because he is their principal, but also because just nine years ago, Pennies for Patients helped him as he battled leukemia.

”It was a very good organization for my family and I,” he said. “It helped pay for gas, hotel and prescription expenses.”

Bachmeier said he was inspired that the school’s 355 students took fundraising efforts seriously.

”They literally went door-to-door collecting donations,” he said. “They took a lot of pride in what they were doing.”

Williams said Pennies for Patients allowed students to learn more about how many lives cancer affects and how they can get involved in making a difference.

”One little penny can make a big difference,” she said. “It feels so good to give back and I hope our entire school feels the same way.”

To celebrate their achievements, students came together Friday for a pep rally that got a little messy.

When a student had collected $10 during the fundraising program, their name was put into a drawing. Before Friday’s pep rally, Bachmeier drew the names of eight students who chose a teacher they wanted to pie in the face.

Classmates Friday cheered on their peers who covered Bachmeier, Williams, Todd Sether, Jack Larson, Jamie Wendt and Dan Beste in pies.

In addition, prizes were awarded to the grade level that collected the most money. Third place was the preschool class; second place was fifth grade, and third grade was the first-place winner.

“This is all about kids helping kids,” Williams said. “When you give, you feel good.”