Nickels for Nails

Nickels for Nails is the youth-led fundraising component of Youth United, our initiative that mobilizes youth ages 5-25 to fund raise for the SCV Habitat for Heroes program.  It’s easy to help, and even the youngest child can understand the purpose, as the jar fills up and the kids receive updates on the veterans we have been able to help and home modifications that change their lives.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to see how donating extra nickels can make a life-altering difference for a deserving veteran family.

Teachers, youth group coordinators and students who sign up will receive a coin collection container for their classroom, along with a how-to guide about starting a successful fund drive. Teachers can also receive special curriculum to educate their students about returning veterans in California and how everyone can help the cause.

Schools in Santa Clarita participating in Nickels for Nails for the 2011-2012 school year:

Bridgeport Elementary School
Fair Oaks Ranch Community School
Peachland Elementary School
Pico Canyon Elementary School
Plum Canyon Elementary School
Stevenson Ranch Elementary School
Sulphur Springs Community School
Wiley Canyon Elementary School

child in hard hat

Fundraising Ideas:

  • Create your own blog or Facebook page for your school, class, or group where friends and family can easily share Habitat stories and donate online. Hold a bake sale, craft or art fair to sell or auction off projects created by the young students. This can easily be done by finding a community event already happening – a county fair, farmer’s market, sidewalk sale, church event – and asking to have space to sell items.
  • Host a house building contest using LEGOs or recyclable building materials (Popsicle sticks, paper bags or boxes). Each house is then voted on by placing a donation jar in front of each entry. The house that earns the most money wins.
  • Start a recycling drive for cans, bottles, or plastic materials with funds going towards Habitat.
  • Have a car wash in your neighborhood, at your church, or school.
  • Host a talent show, concert, or comedy event with a suggested donation at the door.

For more information on how to get started with these or other Nickels for Nails projects, contact Joyce at (818) 884-8808 or by emailing: JGrair@HumanityCA.org.