Bay Head School students prep for annual coin drive benefiting Bag Buddies Foundation

Each year, the Bay Head Student Council, under the guidance of science teacher Lauren Galarza, organizes a week-long coin drive, where each class works to raise the most money for a charity of their choosing.

Students at Bay Head School are gearing up to launch their annual week-long coin drive, starting Monday, Jan. 27.

Each year, the Bay Head Student Council, under the guidance of science teacher Lauren Galarza, organizes a week-long coin drive, where each class works to raise the most money for a charity of their choosing.

Last year, the recipient of the drive was the Jimmy Jimmy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises money to teach children how to swim.

This nonprofit was established in 2019 after the loss of Jimmy Bangura, nephew of founder Mo Nabie. The Jimmy Jimmy Foundation aims to help save lives and nurture dreams in his honor. This foundation is an organization that strives to better communities while focusing on investing in children and youth.

In total, the students of Bay Head raised $1,014.63 last year, and hope to surpass that goal with this year’s upcoming drive.

This year, the drive will benefit the Bag Buddies Foundation, honoring Navy Capt. John “Bag” Hefti’s legacy through academic scholarships and support of local youth sports.

The students will participate in five themes throughout the week, bringing in the corresponding coin for that day including: Pajama Penny Monday, Novel Nickel Day (dressing up like a favorite book character), Dream Jobs Day, Throwback Thursday Quarters Day and Anything But a Backpack on Friday, where students are encouraged to bring in bills.

The class that raises the most money will receive a Chick-Fil-A lunch courtesy of the student council.

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