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Schools Against Cancer presents: Jar Wars, written in gold text with stacks of gold coins next to the words—a fun challenge inviting students and parents to join the fight against cancer.
Gold text reads “Schools Against Cancer Presents: Jar Wars,” with a stack of gold coins underneath, inviting parents to join the cause. A bold banner below states “February 2025” in black and white.

COMING IN FEBRUARY!

A coin collection with a friendly sabotage twist!

Is your school ready to take on this challenge? Join us in the fight to end cancer during February 2026 in honor of World Cancer Day, an international day to raise awareness about cancer.

Jar Wars is a friendly competition between the grades at your school and against other schools in Western New York. Funds raised through Schools Against Cancer go directly toward Roswell Park research, clinical trials and patient care programs and make a huge difference in the lives of cancer patients. Participating in Jar Wars is the perfect opportunity for everyone at your school to get involved in the mission to end cancer and have fun while doing it!

Sign up today!
More information
A colorful flyer titled "Jar Wars" by Schools Against Cancer encourages schools and parents to collect coins for charity in February, listing points for each coin type and including event details, dates, and contact information.

Here’s everything you need to know about Jar Wars!

To begin, set up a labeled collection jar for each grade. We suggest something like an empty milk jug or cheese ball container! Put the collection jars in a high traffic area for the month of February.

Illustration of a blue glass jar with a red lid, partially filled with yellow coins—perfect for parents teaching kids about saving money—with one coin dropping into the slot at the top.
A group of smiling young women, some of whom are parents, wear “Together We Fight” shirts and hold pink pom-poms as they pose indoors at an event. Some sport glasses or beanies, and two flash peace signs with their fingers.
A large group of students, parents, and an adult stand and pose together on bleachers in a gymnasium, smiling and making hand gestures. Banners and a basketball hoop are visible in the background.

Coins are positive!

For the coins donated, the grade earns points. You want as many coins as possible in your own grade’s jar.

Stacks of shiny gold coins are grouped together, with a large blue outline of a thumbs-up symbol in the foreground, suggesting parents' approval or success related to wealth or family savings.

Cash is negative!

For every dollar donated, the grade loses points. You want to “sabotage” the other grades by putting dollar bills in other grades’ jars.

A stack of green paper money next to a large red thumbs-down symbol, indicating parents' disapproval or dislike related to money.

At the end of the month, add up the collected funds in each jar to determine which grade earned the most points!

Remember, add up the total coins and subtract the total cash in each jar. Due to the number of participating schools, Schools Against Cancer is unable to provide rewards for winning grade levels. It is at the discretion of the school’s administration to decide on and provide a reward for their winning grade level. This is optional but encouraged.

Schools Against Cancer will recognize the school that raises the most at the end of the competition!

The top fundraising school will receive a mini blue buffalo statue, certificate and a ceremonial check presentation with Sabretooth! Every school that participates in the Jar Wars competition will earn a participation certificate and recognition on social media. *Only schools that register via our Jar Wars form will be considered for rewards*

A blue buffalo figurine stands next to a certificate recognizing Alden High School and its parents for raising $680 in the Week Showdown 2024, as part of the Schools Against Cancer fundraiser.

Important donation information

Schools should inform the Schools Against Cancer coordinator of their total fundraised amount by Friday, March 14th. Schools should submit their overall donation via check after all coins/cash totals have been calculated.

Checks can be mailed to: Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 644, Buffalo, NY 14240. 

Please put ‘Schools Against Cancer’ and your school’s name in the memo line. Contact your coordinator to ask any questions about the process!

A colorful flyer promoting "Jar Wars" by Schools Against Cancer, inviting students and parents to join a fun fundraising competition. Fill jars with coins during February to score points, win prizes, and help fight cancer! Flyer includes rules and point values.

Download the competition overview and rules!

A diverse group of eight students, one adult, and supportive parents stand smiling in a classroom. Two people hold signs reading "I support #SchoolsAgainstCancer" and "I'm supporting Schools Against Cancer.
A smiling woman stands in a gym holding a $5,000 check for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, joined by a person in a blue sports mascot costume with a pink lei, as parents and supporters cheer on this charitable moment.

Why your school should get involved

Getting your school involved in a fundraiser like Jar Wars helps teach students the importance of giving back to your community as well as valuable skills such as leadership and teamwork.

Cancer research!

Students fuel cutting-edge cancer research and patient care programs that make a real impact on the Western New York community and for cancer patients everywhere. Plus, they’re raising awareness for a cause that affects us all.

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Your impact!

For every dollar raised through Schools Against Cancer, Roswell Park can leverage an additional $23 from external grants toward the groundbreaking research that happens daily. A donation as small as $5 can have a significant impact!

Sign up today!

Stay in touch!

If you haven’t already, make sure to join our mailing list so you don’t miss out on all the important updates from Schools Against Cancer!

Join our mailing list!

Fundraising materials

An informational flyer for "Schools Against Cancer: Jar Wars" fundraising event. Students and parents are encouraged to fill jars with coins to raise money, check point values for coins and bills, and review registration and prize details.
Information sheet
An announcement flyer for a "Schools Against Cancer" event called "Jar Wars," inviting parents to join the fun. Featuring stacked gold coins, event details, a script for January 30, and a Star Wars theme. Some sections are highlighted in yellow.
Announcement script
Colorful flyer for "Schools Against Cancer Presents: Jar Wars" in February. Students and parents compete by collecting coins—earn points for pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and bills. Find details on scoring, locations, and purpose provided.
Save the date

Questions?

Contact us! Email our team or call 716-845-8788.

Two women smile in a classroom, each holding signs supporting Schools Against Cancer. Both wear pink shirts, one reads "ABATE Cares." They stand together with parents, promoting cancer awareness and support in their school.