Every coin matters as MCC reaches out to aid the world
Every year children can enjoy a chance to visit the vortex during the MCC Relief Sale in Wooster, a coin-collecting apparatus that brings plenty of excitement to donating to the My Coins Count program, which raises money that last year helped create fresh drinking water for hungry nations.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and quality water wells aren’t necessarily paid for with one giant donation.
Mennonite Central Committee is now amid its annual effort to create quality drinking water in needy countries or fulfill other special projects for nations in need, one coin at a time.
My Coins Count, formerly known as Penny Power, is a program presented through Mennonite Central Committee to collect change for clean water in countries where clean water is often difficult to find. In the past years, it’s been one of the most successful avenues of fundraising at the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale, and the great thing is it is as easy as emptying your pockets or pocketbook of loose change.
All that loose change, dollar bills and checks donated to the My Coins Count program adds up to one amazing endeavor to reach out to the world and provide life-saving water.
MCC has set a $200,000 goal for the program in 2022, and it is currently amid a kick-off to encourage churches to join the effort to collect coins for water or for other special projects MCC has in mind.
According to Kelly Troyer, My Coins Count coordinator, the program is easy to get rolling and can include entire church congregations right down to individual Sunday school classes and children’s groups. It also is available for individuals and families to participate in the collection process.
Troyer said people would be surprised to realize how much a percentage of the MCC Relief Sale comes from the My Coins Count program.
“It’s amazing how it all adds up when we all work together,” Troyer said. “If someone’s church is interested in starting a change collection, we’d like to know.”
The goal of $200,000 is lofty, but Troyer and many others at MCC believe it is attainable. The last year MCC presented the event in full force, they raised upward of $150,000, and they believe they can top that number.
Troyer said MCC is inviting churches to join the action, offering some ways churches can make the My Coins Count program exciting and fun. She said that includes getting the kids involved, whether it is by dropping loose change into a large jar at church or in their Sunday school area or even creating contests between classes to see who can bring in the most change.
The challenge gauntlet also can be thrown down between churches, which can create a friendly rivalry as they compete to aid the greater good.
“There are so many ways individuals, church groups or congregations can create ways to raise money through this enjoyable program,” Troyer said. “The more churches we can get involved, the more we can reach out around the world to help others in need receive the clean water they deserve.”
Last year’s actual coin collection saw Orrville Mennonite bring in $1,102.34 while Longenecker Mennonite racked up $1,691.19 in change. Other churches collected change and simply wrote a check rather than bringing in all that change. Maple Grove Mennonite near Hartville provided a check for $59,248.77. Kidron Mennonite added another to the tune of $7,688.27 while other churches like Sonnenburg Mennonite, Crown Hill Mennonite and Beach Mennonite chipped in with a total of 22 churches to bring in a total of $89,824.78.
Whether it’s churches collecting coins in large glass jars, baskets or whatever container they choose, My Coins Count is a good way to create participation as the donations grow.
“It’s important for churches or Sunday school groups to get a jump on the coin collection as early as possible, and it’s fun to watch the amount grow week by week,” Troyer said.
In addition to the funds created through the My Coins Count program, there is a matching fund for 2022. According to Troyer, there are several individuals and businesses that are offering to match the funds raised through the program. She said if an individual, family, business or organization would like to create a matching fund, they can email or call her.
“There are many ways people can give to this important project,” Troyer said. “When Sunday school groups and churches get their kids involved, it is also a great time to talk to them about the importance of giving to others and help them understand where their donations are going and how they are helping others.”
Once the collection process is complete, churches and individuals who have collected can either send a check to MCC or drop it off at the annual MCC Relief Sale at the Wooster Fairgrounds Aug. 5-6, where they can bring in their coins or write a check to cover the amount raised. Either way, it gives people a chance to connect with My Coins Count representatives and get further information.
In addition, there will be the vortex, a game where kids and adults can send coins spiraling around the vortex, watching them spin faster and faster as they finally disappear into the hole at the bottom of the vortex.
“It’s a neat visual and fun for the kids,” Troyer said.
Any church that would like to get involved with the 2022 My Coins Count program or any individuals or businesses that would like to become a matching partner may do so by calling Troyer at 330-466-4848 or emailing her at kelly.troyer@everence.com.