People United For Families (PUFF) is launching a Penny Drive to help support the After School Programs at Nebraska City Middle School and Syracuse Middle School. The goal is to collect one million pennies in the next year.

People United For Families received a $35,500 Juvenile Justice Prevention Grant from the Nebraska Crime Commission in 2006 that serves as the primary funding source for after school programming in Otoe County. The amount of that grant is reduced by 25 percent each year, so PUFF needs to raise funds to replace $8,875 in reduced grant funds by June 30, 2009. The United Way of Nebraska City, Kropp Foundation and Nelson Family Foundation also provide funding for the After School Program.

The After School Program provides a safe, supervised setting for middle school children to get help with homework and participate in recreational activities. Since 74 percent of Otoe County children have all parents in the labor force, it is important for children to have something constructive to do after school. About 250 students participate each year.

After School Clubs are available at Nebraska City Middle School from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day school is in session and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. each Monday through Thursday at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School.

People United For Families launched their penny drive at the August Board of Directors meeting. Individuals, businesses or organizations interested in participating in the Penny Drive may obtain a penny jar or drop off collected change at the People United For Families office in the American National Bank, call 873-6343 or contact any board member.

The People United For Families Board of Directors includes: Sarah Purcell, chairperson; Betty Stoll, vice-chair; Dale Haverty, secretary-treasurer; Brian Hoover; Brooke Chaney; Cheryl Hill; John Hogeland; Kathy Kaufman; Dan Kelly; Jeff Lant; Yolanda Peck and Teri Stukenholz.