The News set out a goal similar to last year — to raise $5,000 or more in our annual Pennies for Presents campaign.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, we were able to exceed that goal again this season.
As of our most recent deadline — and penny tally — readers brought in more than $5,100 in coppers and silver — and we’re still counting up the coins.
Volunteer penny sorters — like longtime Mr. Moneypenny Brian Stead — have been working hard to roll the coins, which are taken to the Parksville branch of Coastal Community Credit Union, and turned into other forms of cash.
This year, as in past years, we will split the money raised between the Society of Organized Services and the Salvation Army. The money is used by both groups for their various programs to ensure families and children in need are taken care of throughout the year.
The $2,500 or more they receive each year from the campaign isn’t a lot, but it all helps the cause.
For your contribution to The News’ Pennies for Presents campaign — and others like it with the Black Press family on Vancouver Island, we thank you and look forward to helping you clear your homes of pennies once again in 2012.
— Steven Heywood