By Jolene FarleyShoppers have the chance to use their purchases to earn funds for the Hills-Beaver Creek Music Department through the School Cents program. The School Cents program, scheduled from Monday, Sept. 1 through Friday, Oct. 31, this year, assists schools with funding programs in need. Each participating school can select an area that will benefit from the rewards of the program. Elementary Band Instructor Brent Steinert said he’s excited about the program. "They write you a check," he said. "The check is given to us before Christmas." Steinert said what the money will be used for depends on the amount earned by shoppers. "For the music department, there are some different instruments we need," he said. If the funds raised are more substantial, he said he would look at different options. Hills-Beaver Creek shoppers will compete with 15 area schools for $300 to $7,000 in prizes. The school with the most receipts from the Empire Mall, Empire East and Empire HyVee, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., wins top prize.Every dollar spent at the malls is equal to one point, and Empire HyVee receipts are worth double points. Receipts can be dropped in School Cents drop boxes in the Empire East, Empire HyVee or near the Harvest Café Court at the Empire Mall. For those who don’t want to turn in receipts, a Point Pass Card can be used. Point Pass Cards can only be redeemed at mall guest services, located outside Younker’s southwest entrance to the Empire Mall. To "even the playing field," School Cents rankings will be compiled by dividing the receipt generated points by elementary enrollment figures. Rankings will be based on points per student. Every week, two shoppers will be rewarded with a $50 Empire Mall Gift Certificate, one winner from the Point Pass program and another through turning in receipts.
