SPANISH FORT, Ala. — This week, the echoes of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters being tossed into buckets will be heard at Rockwell Elementary to make the most of the football rivalry between the universities of Alabama and Auburn. Students are encouraged to go “Coin Crazy” by bringing in change to raise money for Rockwell’s Parent Teacher Association.

There will also be a competition for the most canned goods brought in for the teams to benefit the Ecumenical Ministries.

“You have to build in things which are fun while doing good things for people,” Principal Robert Owen said.

Owen, who will be rooting for Alabama next weekend, said that the school collects money weekly for. Alabama and Auburn buckets are in each classrooms.

The money is counted every week and students are updated daily to let them know which classroom has raised the most money so far, he said.

“It’s just for fun,” Owen said of the friendly competition.

The winning classroom — determined by who raises the most money — will be announced just prior to the Iron Bowl game. It was announced this week the Iron Bowl will be televised on ESPN on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.

The classroom that raises the most money wins a prize, secretary Joy Osarrel said. The winning team banner will also be displayed in the school.

A canned food drive — hosted by the Ecumenical Ministries — is also being held this week.

“We ask that everybody bring in one can of food,” he said.

If each student brings in just one can, 760 cans of food can be obtained, but every year several thousand cans of food are donated, he said.

“It’s always a big to-do,” Owen said.

Cans are placed on opposite sides of the hall so the students, parents and staff can see which team is winning, which makes it more competitive, he said.

On one school day, students and faculty will be allowed to dress in their favorite team item.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, in an effort to celebrate Thanksgiving, the staff and students were treated to a Thanksgiving feast including turkey and dressing, Owen said.