Coin & Donation Management

PLANNING AHEAD MAKES “CENTS”

Step 1: Identify a Coin Counting Plan

Select the method that’s best for your school. Consider the amount of time you can dedicate to the counting process, and your school’s policies on money handling. If you need further assistance deciding what will work best for your school, contact LLS.

• Security Service Federal Credit Union: SSFCU is no longer allowing use of their coin machines, please read below for additional options.
• Local Bank or Credit Union Co-Op:  Call your local bank or credit union to see if they will partner with your school by counting your change for free. Many Credit Unions and Banks have coin counting machines in their lobbies and may agree to waive any user fees. Arrange to bring your change to the bank several times throughout the campaign.
• CoinStar*: CoinStar machines are found in most Wal-Mart & HEB supermarket lobbies.  They offer an alternative to counting coins. To use the machine, select the “donate” option, then select “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society” or enter the LLS ID# 3333. Coins can be poured in by classroom and a receipt is provided for the total to assist you in tracking.

*Visit www.coinstar.com or call (800) 928-CASH to find the nearest CoinStar location with a donation feature.

 PLEASE NOTE:

*LLS will pay a service fee of 7.5% of the total amount when you use CoinStar.

*Do a trial run to ensure the CoinStar machine is operating.

*DO NOT mail receipts to the White Plains, New York address found printed on the receipt.

Step 2: Form a Coin Counting Committee

Consider asking teachers, students (NHS, student council or service groups) or parents (parent classroom helpers or PTA members).

Step 3: Deposit Coins at Least Once a Week

Depending on your coin volume, you may need to make daily or weekly trips to the bank or credit union. Also, be aware that coins can weigh a bit, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Keep a Tally of Classroom Totals

Make a tally sheet to keep track of classroom totals. Ask teachers to have their classroom coins counted daily to make the task more manageable and to help calculate daily classroom standings.

Step 5: Checks & Paper Money

Please do not deposit checks into the SSFCU account. 

There are two ways to turn in paper money. 

1. Paper money can be deposited in the SSFCU account
2. Convert Cash into a check or money order payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, then mail to the LLS office. 

Step 6: Submit all Bank and/or CoinStar receipts via email or online form for school credit.

*If receipts are not submitted school may not receive credit for donations or be eligible for incentives* Mail receipts to: 

LLS South Central Texas Chapter

Attn: Carissa Hocevar

Student Series, Senior Campaign Manager

1218 Arion Pkwy, Suite 102

San Antonio, Texas 78216

Tips & Ideas

• If you don’t want to count coins, try paper blood drop icons. Students can donate $1 for a paper icon that can then be displayed. (Paper pennies are free from LLS upon request)
• Use the Dear Parent letter to encourage students to collect funds online through their very own Student Webpage.

Donation boxes are a way for students to bring the program home but they are not meant for door-to-door collection.

Any check or credit card donation over $5 will receive a thank you letter from LLS within two months of the donation that may be used for tax purposes.