Black Press' Pennies for Presents campaign begins

A penny isn’t worth much on its own.

The one-cent coin is sometimes seen as an annoyance, an unwanted weight in a change-purse or pocket.

Many countries have even done away with the coin.

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

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 and bills as well.

It’s the cumulative effort that makes such a big difference to children.

That’s why the News 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 those 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 that 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 Black Press reception desk 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 the kids this Christmas.

ecardone@vicnews.com