THOMASVILLE — Quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies are usually pocket change to most adults. But for local students, the different coins were money raised for the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society. 

Coins for Critters, a fundraiser enlisting elementary students to collect coins to raise funds for the Humane Society, has ended. 

A total of $6,374.52 was raised, which includes a $1,465.68 match from Thomas County Federal Bank to the school that raised the most money, which was Cross Creek Elementary.  

Animal Control Manager Chandler Giddes said the funds will go toward operations at the Humane Society, as the shelter has undergone major repairs over the past year. 

The fundraiser finished its second year. 

“This is really the first time we’ve had community involvement,” Giddes said, as the fundraiser included city, county and First Baptist Church students. 

Other schools that participated included Hand-in-Hand Primary, Garrison-Pilcher Elementary, Harper Elementary, and Scott Elementary. 

Fundraiser coordinator Tiann Taylor said the young participants got the chance to help the shelter and pets looking for forever homes. 

“That was the most rewarding part,” she said. 

Along with the match from Thomas County Federal, Farmers Merchant Bank rolled coins and donated piggy banks.