Penny drive begins

A penny might not seem like much, but roll enough of them together and they can go a long way, says the chairman of the 2010 United Way of Thunder Bay campaign.

Wayne Fletcher said on average they’ve collected 200,000 of the copper coins in recent years through the successful Pennies from Heaven campaign.

"It points out the fact that while we’re always talking about donations, but sometimes its even the small donations of children bringing in a few pennies that will make a big difference," said Fletcher on Thursday, at the Intercity Shopping Centre launch of the 15th annual version of the fundraising drive.

The program is simple he said. Over the course of the coming weekend, specially designed milk cartons will be delivered to residences throughout Thunder Bay. The public will be asked to fill the cartons with pennies – or any coins they’re willing to part with – and drop them off at the United Way offices between April 19 and 30.

The money will be distributed to some of the 26 agencies the charitable organization funds in the region, part of the annual campaign that in recent years has topped the $2 million mark.

Though it makes up a mere fraction of the overall total, Fletcher said every little bit helps.

"That’s one of the things I’ve learned over the years working with the United Way. You don’t miss anything. You try to get everything you can," Fletcher said.

He added they plan to take advantage of technology and the exponential growth of social media sites, while getting more youth involved.

"I think part of it is we try to do a fun aspect to it," Fletcher said. "We do a lot of different activities that are fun an engaging. But I think ultimately it gets down to the fact that it’s individuals helping other individuals in the community. And you make your community a better place to live. I think that’s why it has a real calling to people."

Donations may also be dropped off at Wal-Mart, Intercity Shopping Centre and for students, at the Lakehead Public School Board offices. Fletcher said they’ll take donations at any time.

"It doesn’t mean you have to hoard to the last minute and then bring it in. We’ll actually take your pennies at the United Way offices right to the end."

However, an earlier drop-off has its benefits, he added.

"You can imagine if we have $20,000 worth of pennies, there’s a little bit of counting going on."