RECORD: YOUTH GROUP SEEKS PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

A local church youth group hopes to raise more than $6,000 for missions, one cent at a time.

And they also hope their efforts land them a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

"We've got about 130,000 pennies collected so far, but it's going to take a whole bunch more to fill the entire gym floor," said Youth Pastor Phillip Roop of the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau.

The group plans to place the pennies 670,000 in all side by side on the church's gymnasium floor. The current Guinness record for the most coins laid side by side is 662,000, Roop said.

After the coins are placed, they will be donated to the Speed the Light Mission, Roop said, and used to buy equipment and vehicles for missions in other countries.

The group plans to start placing coins at about 7 p.m. on Dec. 6. Roop estimates it will take 10 to 12 hours to cover the floor.

He said in tough economic times, it's easier to raise money in small amounts.

"We thought of the idea a few weeks ago. We're going on the assumption that people are a lot freer with giving pennies than other coins or dollars," he said.

"It's a way to raise money for a good cause without pinching everybody's pocketbook."

Andy McHaffie, a youth group volunteer, said if the project is successful, it may become an annual event.

Youth group members have been soliciting donations for the project. People interested in donating to the project can drop off pennies or other donations at the church, 1855 Perryville Road; Medicap Pharmacy, 1020 North Kingshighway; Bloomin' Balloons, 2558 Independence; and Gospeland Book Store at West Park Mall.

Roop said about $800 in cash and checks has been donated, which he's taken to a local bank and turned in for pennies.

"I'm taking anything I can get," he said.

Roop said the group plans to start in the middle of the floor. They plan to photograph the floor as it is being covered with pennies. The photos will be sent to Guinness.

"I invite anyone who's interested to come by and watch what we're doing," he said.

Because of church services on Dec. 8, the coins will likely stay on the floor for only a day, he said.