This year, more than ever, it’s important that the community comes together to help children and families in need.
The Peninsula News Review’s annual Coins for Kids campaign is under way, and we’re asking for your pennies, other coins and donations to help us meet or beat last year’s fundrasing total. In 2011, readers who gave to the News Review’s Coins for Kids effort raised $1,441 worth of coins and other donations. The money was given last winter to the Kiwanis Club of Sidney and the Peninsula, which buys gifts for children who would otherwise go without.
This year, after the Kiwanis Club disbanded, the News Review decided to get behind Rob McMillan of Canoe Cove Restaurant and his Secret Santa: Toys for Tots campaign. This effort is reaching out to all local service groups to keep what Kiwanis started alive and well — and growing.
“It’s important to ensure that the effort we’re contributing to — the toy drive — continues to reach those children in need,” says Jim Parker, publisher of the News Review.
Readers are encouraged to drop off their coins at the News Review office, 6-9843 Second St. in Sidney.
As the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer circulate pennies after February, 2013, Parker says the Coins for Kids campaign wants those collections of coppers that people have been saving up — as well as any other coins you want to donate.
“We’d be happy to roll them up for you,” he says.
The News Review is also interested in hearing from volunteers willing to help roll coins for the fundraising campaign. Call our office at 250-656-1151 to lend a hand.