Black Press launches Pennies for Presents campaign

A penny on its own might not be worth much these days.

The one-cent coin is sometimes seen as an annoyance, an unwanted weight in a change-purse or pocket. Many countries have done away with the coin.

Yet these smallest of coins are the key ingredient in Pennies for Presents, a collective-effort fundraiser between the Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria News, Oak Bay News and Saanich News.

Put together, pennies from the depths of pockets, behind couch cushions, the bottom of car cup holders and deep inside the clothes dryer can amount to a big thing. These pennies can put a smile on a child’s face, who otherwise might not get a gift at Christmas.

The Pennies for Presents campaign raised almost $15,000 in Greater Victoria last year to help children have a happier Christmas.

Every penny collected goes directly to local charities. This year’s recipients include Victoria Women’s Transition House, Santas Anonymous, Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed food bank.

Although Pennies for Presents is an Island-wide campaign, money collected stays in our community to buy toys and other gifts.

No number of pennies is too small — every little bit counts. Of course, the campaign accepts nickels, dimes, quarters and other change as well.

It’s the cumulative effort that makes such a big difference to children. That’s why the Gazette is asking for your help in this successful and fulfilling campaign.

So, hunt through your sock drawer and dig through the bottom of your purse or wallet to find stray pennies that mean so much more to less fortunate children.

While Christmas is still seven weeks away, now is the time to start making sure no child goes without a special present this year.

We will be gathering pennies up until Dec. 18 this year so start helping early by bringing in your unwanted pennies to the collection jar at the Goldstream Gazette office at 117-777 Goldstream Ave. in Langford or the Black Press office at 818 Broughton St. in Victoria. Other collection sites will be announced as the campaign progresses.

Every penny helps our kids have a merrier Christmas, no matter how many or how few you donate.

Thanks for your contribution to our kids this Christmas.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com

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