West Chicago Community High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) is hosting its annual Coin War fundraiser from Sept. 22 to Oct. 2 in the cafeteria during lunch. Students can donate money into jars labeled with participating teachers names, and the teacher with the most donations will be pied in the face at the Homecoming pep assembly on Oct. 4.

The fundraiser is more than just a fun Homecoming tradition. Half the proceeds go directly to the charity chosen by the winning teacher. Each of the nine participants selected a personally meaningful organization, including organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Unidios US.

“Coin War is a fun and successful fundraiser. But what makes it special is that each teacher gets to spotlight a charity that matters to them,” NHS adviser Leslie Fireman said. “It’s a chance for students to support important causes while having fun.”

This year’s participating teachers and their charities are Jamie Garcia (UnidosUS), Robert Beal (Save the Children), Aaron Hayes (International Justice Mission), Charles Volkes (American Cancer Society), Paul Kash (Feeding America), Jen Ward (Emergency USA), Merrick Ramza (charity TBD), and TJ Nall (Children’s Leukemia Research Association).

“Teachers were chosen by who we thought students would like to see get pied. We also asked students for their opinions and adjusted accordingly. Some of my goals were to make sure the event runs on schedule, that the charities are supported, and that it brings students together during Homecoming week,” senior Alejandra Muñoz said.

Teachers often playfully encourage donations, but many also share personal reasons for their chosen charities, making the fundraiser more meaningful. The total amount raised will be announced Oct 4, when the winning teacher gets pied in front of the entire school during the Homecoming pep assembly on Friday, Oct. 3.

“Coin War is about the school spirit and bringing students together,”  Muñoz said.