Students at Pike Liberal Arts School raised more than $1,600 for Children’s of Alabama one penny at a time.

In the weeks leading to Valentine’s Day, students competed to see which individual student could raise the most money with only pennies, and the winners would be crowned king and queen.

The students collected pennies from their own collection, friends, family and anyone in the community who was willing to help out with the cause. They held a competition to see who could raise the most. Hayden Arrington, who was crowned king, raised $350 and Nikki Hopper, crowned queen, raised $300.

“Our kids enjoyed it and were excited about it,” said Becky Bagget, headmaster. “Anytime we can get them excited to serve, we do it.”

Overall, the students raised $1607.60, and the officers of the PLAS SGA officers presented the check Thursday to Angie Sherrill, the community outreach coordinator at Children’s of Alabama.

“Every single dollar raised stays right here in our state to touch our kids,” Sherrill said. “We see kids from every county in Alabama. We see them based on need, not their ability to pay, thanks to wonderful partners who help us make that promise happen every single day.”

Baggett said the students enjoyed working with Children’s of Alabama. “They help so many kids,” Baggett said. “We’ve seen how they help so many families.”

Last year, the students collected blankets to donate.

“We like to reach out and help because it touches so many lives,” Baggett said. “It’s the least we can do.”