Panther Valley Elementary students recently collected about $1,000 in change to buy books for a Head Start program in the school district.

In conjunction with the school's annual book fair, students collected money to donate books to Pathstone Head Start, which operates out of the Coaldale Complex.Head Start provides educational, health and parental-involvement opportunities for low-income families. Many Panther Valley Elementary students came through the program."We're fortunate enough to get a lot of donations from the community, and businesses, and it's our chance to give back to another organization and show the kids that it's important to take care of others and help other students out who may not have books in their homes," Principal Robert Palazzo said.The fundraiser was set up as a challenge between each classroom to see who could raise the most money possible. Students collected change from piggy banks, couch cushions and car seats to reach their goals.Four classrooms managed to raise more than $200 - with the winner was Adrienne Blasko's third-grade class. They raised $255.24.The top classes will receive a party sponsored by their school for their efforts.Head Start teachers Tara Stauffenberg and Cerissa Mantz were at the school Monday to pick out books for their classes. They said that each of their 90-plus students will receive a brand-new book, and the rest of the books will be available for children while they are at Head Start."The families and children don't have a lot of books at home. Some of the kids don't have any," Stauffenberg said. "So for them to get a brand-new book, this is gonna be huge."