Pennies add up in Troy

By PAT PASTERNAK- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

"A penny saved is a penny earned" -- and parishioners at St. Augustine's Church in Troy have found a way to live out that maxim. They use every single penny they can get their hands on in order to benefit needy children.

For the past five years, the parish has participated in a Lenten program called "Pennies for Pesos."

Rev. James T. Spenard, OSA, pastor, said the parish raises about $2,000 in pennies and other coins that are collected and then donated to the California province of his religious order, the Augustinians, in an effort to help orphans in Mexico.

All involved

Young and old alike participate in the savings plan, including children in St. Augustine's School and the parish's religious education program.

As Lent approaches, announcements appear in the weekly bulletin asking people to save pennies from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Father Spenard said that many parishioners look forward to saving their cents because they know it is for a good cause.

But the parish isn't choosy as to what type of coins it will take. Extra change of nickels, dimes and quarters is also gratefully accepted from those who wish to give more generously.

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"Pennies for Pesos" was started by [former pastor] Father Tom Meehan, OSA, who thought it would be a good way to help orphans in the Mexican village of San Antonio de Los Buenos," Father Spenard explained. "The village is located on the Baja peninsula of northern Mexico. An orphanage cares for children from infancy through the teen years.

"Some years ago, the Augustinians developed an outreach program to assist this orphanage in its operation and in caring for the children that live there. I think Father Meehan thought it would be a good way for the people of St. Augustine's to contribute to a program that was already established."

Counting on them

During Lent, the coins keep rolling in toward three volunteers who count the change, roll it into coin holders and prepare it for deposit. After Easter, the parish sends a check to the orphanage.

"Each year, our parishioners, school children and religious education classes are enthusiastic about saving their pennies," Father Spenard said.

He even knows of a few parishioners who keep a bowl on their desks at work all year for others to throw their pennies into, an activity that definitely makes cents.

(04-11-02) [[In-content Ad]]