A pocket full of change can go a long way this holiday season.
Black Press' Coins for Kids campaign (previously Pennies for Presents) is collecting change at participating businesses including the Comox Valley Record office with 100 per cent of the proceeds benefiting the First Insurance Secret Santa Program.
"Ever dollar collected goes towards services for families in our community who need it most," said Zena Williams, publisher for the Record.
Pamela Jolin, co-ordinator of the First Insurance Secret Santa Program, explained the program is entering its 12th year of service.
"It began as a staff initiative when we saw a need in the community at the time," she noted. "We saw how successful Santa's Anonymous program in Victoria was, and we wanted something like that here, and it has just been growing."
The program distributes gifts to those in need, and the requests have been steadily growing over the years.
Jolin added those who want to register for the program — which is exclusively in the Comox Valley — can fill out a registration form in the Record, drop by any First Insurance office, or call the Secret Santa line at 250-703-0858.
Now in its 17th year, Coins for Kids has raised more than $600,000 since its inception.
To donate, look for the Coins for Kids boxes at participating businesses, or stop by the Comox Valley Record offices at 765 McPhee Ave. in Courtenay.
— With a file from the Victoria News.
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