With the public's help, the smallest denomination in U.S. coinage could mean huge advantages for the children of two war-torn nations.

The Rich-Mar Rotary Club will kick off its Pennies for Peace program Saturday at Mars Applefest.

The project is dedicated to building and providing one year of financial support for a school in Afghanistan or Pakistan.

Pennies for Peace is the first in a series of annual community challenges to be taken on by the Rich-Mar Rotary Club.

Jack Kimbell, club president, said the student Interact clubs in the Mars and Pine-Richland school districts have been challenged to lead a Pennies for Peace program in all schools in the districts.

Kimbell said the goal is to raise $15,000 from both school districts.

"Or in simpler terms, 200 pennies per child," said Kimbell. "Rich-Mar Rotary will match what is raised, penny for penny, up to $15,000, making the total raised $30,000."

Kimbell said the nationwide Pennies for Peace program has enlisted the help of 4,500 schools across the United States.

Nicole Ford, president of Mars High School's Interact Club, said the club is still working on ideas for raising pennies in the school district.

She said Interact Club members will help staff the Rich-Mar Rotary booth at Applefest, where they will promote Pennies for Peace and encourage visitors to donate.

Ford said Pennies for Peace is the first international project taken on during her tenure as president of Interact.

"We are helping out all those students who are not as privileged as we are," Ford said. "I'm really appreciative to be a part of it."

Kimbell said the Rich-Mar Rotary's booth at Applefest will hold a penny toss game for children. Laptops at the booth also will show videos detailing a child's life in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while others will detail past projects taken on by the club.

Kimbell's wife, Barbara, said other community organizations, such as the public library, scouts and church and youth groups will be solicited for Pennies for Peace.

Barbara Kimbell said the program teaches youths compassion, appreciation for their privileges and education, awareness of international issues and other important lessons.

"It gives them pride in their power to affect the world," she said.

The Pennies for Peace effort is a result of the book "Three Cups of Tea" and the efforts of its author, Greg Mortenson, to provide schools for children in Central Asia.

Schools cost $30,000 to build, and $5,000 provides one year of financial support. Jack Kimbell said the school buildings are built to withstand the same military action or the earthquakes to which the area is prone.

"The teachers are locals, and they're not paid a huge amount, but the kids are very, very into learning," he said. "They were learning on dirt floors up until now."

He said the Pennies for Peace effort ensures young girls receive equal education, as the Taliban prohibits the education of females.

Kimbell said the Pennies for Peace project is a great opportunity for residents to make an impact that is larger than southwestern Butler County.

"It links community service and international service," he said.

More information and a donation link are available at www.penniesforpeace.org.