The San Benito County American Red Cross Chapter was out
collecting spare change…
The San Benito County American Red Cross Chapter was out collecting spare change from residents in front of the Coinstar machines at Albertson’s food store Wednesday.
Kathryn Wright, executive director, said the “Every Penny Counts” campaign is to assist the American Red Cross in helping local families cope with local disasters throughout the county.
“This program will be running until the end of the month at all the Coinstar locations in the county,” she said.
Hoping to match last year’s amount of $2,000 collected, Wright said any amount donated helps.
“All they have to do is punch in the code and the money will be directed to us,” she said.
Throughout the day, AmeriCorps volunteer Charlet O’Connor handed out disaster information material and emergency relief kits. O’Connor is one of states 12 AmeriCorp volunteers.
“We are so lucky to have one AmeriCorps volunteer, here, in little San Benito County,” Wright said.
People may wonder how $1 can make a difference, but it does. According to officials, with 66 pennies, the chapter can buy a child coloring books and a box of crayons after a disaster strikes.
Quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies add up to dollars and $30 will buy a pair of shoes for a disaster victim and a winter coat can be bought for $65. Other items that can be bought with spare change include blankets for $6, a comfort kit with toiletries costs, $3 while $10 will supply one day of groceries for a family affected by a disaster.
