During January, students in two fifth-grade reading classes at Dassa McKinney Elementary School read and discussed the stories "Maniac Magee" and "Fly Away Home," both dealing with the topic of homelessness. After reading both stories, the students organized a schoolwide penny war to benefit the Moniteau Food Pantry. During the two-week collection in February, the students raised $4,300. Pictured are penny counters Anthony Huff, left, and Jordan Krear. The donation was presented to the Rev. Robert Mathias of the food pantry Tuesday.