BUTLER TWP — Butler School District elementary students collected thousands of dollars in pennies for Hurricane Sandy victims this fall, one of several district fund drives.

Principals ran the penny challenge before and after Thanksgiving to raise $13,558, which was donated to the American Red Cross.

Sarah Eshbaugh’s kindergarten class at Broad Street Elementary won the challenge and was rewarded with pizza and bowling.

Elementary students also raised $2,542 for the American Heart Association in its Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs. Children gathered sponsors who supported their efforts in timed events. The campaign also taught children about healthy eating, exercise and staying tobacco-free.

The AHA plans to use the money to raise awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity and for heart disease research.

Intermediate school students raised $1,021 for local hunger-fighting organizations at their Empty Bowls event Dec. 6. Participants made a donation to receive a handmade ceramic bowl filled with soup. Sculpture students made the bowls and Regional Cooking students made the soup.

The proceeds will be split among four hunger-fighting organizations, which will each receive $340.