Thousands and thousands of shiny copper coins are pouring into containers at Vilonia Middle School.

It was 7th grader Grace Shannon who came up with the idea.

“I thought because every penny has a value, like everyone’s life has a value. So, I thought that would well represent the Jews that were lost.”

7th grader Emma Duncan says the goal is to collect 1.5 million pennies, one for every child who died in the Holocaust.

“Definitely show how many people were lost in the Holocaust and then we’re kind of hoping that it will teach compassion and tolerance.”

Linda Knapp is the 7th grade teacher.

“The mark of a good teacher is not merely to just impart knowledge, but also to create good citizens.”

Shannon says she hopes to have that impact.

“Just to show that a small town like Vilonia could do something really big and impact our community.”

The pennies will be displayed in a large glass case in the middle of the school.

Knapp says any extra money collected will be donated to the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.

“I hope that they learn the lesson of tolerance, acceptance and compassion and it’s something they take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Knapp says she hopes her students never look at pennies the same way again.

7th grader Katlynn Bell says she’s excited to see what they accomplish with this project.

“As long as you try hard and you really have compassion for the project and everything, you can do anything.”

You can drop off donations at the Vilonia Middle School. Follow their progress on Twitter: @onecentonelife.

Originally published HERE.