United Way Creates World's Largest Penny Drive (1/7/08)

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United Way Creates World's
Largest Penny Drive

Jan. 7, 2008

United Way is teaming up with credit and debit card issuers across the country so consumers can make a big difference with small change. For every transaction, one penny will be deducted from the user's account and donated to the United Way.

The voluntary program allows consumers to donate one penny every time they use a credit or debit card. Every month, the credit or debit card issuer will tally the number of times the card was used, and a penny for each transaction will be deducted from the account. The credit or debit card issuer will then send a check to the United Way.

These donations will provide much-needed financial support to fund local United Ways. These funds will also be used to support United Way initiatives such as Financial Stability Partnership (which helps people to get out of debt and gain assets); Success by 6 (which helps children enter kindergarten ready to learn and excel); and the 2-1-1 health and human services telephone hotline (which connects callers to free charitable assistance).

Most people use their cards about 20 times per month, which creates a 20-cent donation per month. If millions of people join the program, these small donations will make a big difference.

Related Items
•	United Way's Pennies for Change
•	Greater Twin Cities United Way