Pennies Make Dollars

When my kids were young, maybe 6 or 7 I used to have them clean up their rooms and I'd say "bring me whatever you don't want and I'll throw it out". The first time they brought me a box, I rooted around in it and found pennies under bits and pieces of toys that were most certainly junk. I asked them "why are you throwing out pennies?" My youngest looked at me with that incredulous look kids get and with a straight face said "Mom, you can't buy anything with a penny". At first I wanted to snap back "but it's money" and then I realized she was right...now in these times, you can't buy anything for a penny. When I sat her down and said "but with 25 pennies you can get a gum ball out of the bubble gum machine" she smiled and reached for the box quickly putting the pennies back into her pocket.

Working for a non-profit if there is one thing that I have learned is that even the little bit of change in your pocket can make a difference! So, when you hear that Bell Ringer at the supermarket, see if you have change in your pocket and don't try to go in the door at the other end of the store to avoid the smiling volunteer. At least open and read the mail you get which is obviously an appeal for help. Don't throw that piece of furniture away if it's usable and you could donate it to an organization which will turn it into a treasure for a family in need. Think before you throw and when you reach in your pockets...reach deep! Look for the pennies, look for that crumpled dollar bill or in our case Text PATRIOT to 90999 and make a $5 donation to Operation Homefront Hampton Roads (deducted from your cell phone bill). Helping can be as easy as that.