Small Change Can Make A Big Difference For PA Parks And Forests At Metro Bank

They're perched on nearly every bedroom dresser in America — a jar where we stash our loose change. At the end of the day, we empty our pockets into the jar vowing to use the accumulated wealth for a special treat. And there they sit, waiting for just the right idea.

Now PA Parks and Forests Foundation has teamed with Metro Bank (formerly Commerce Bank/Harrisburg) to provide the perfect outlet for that little treasure chest. Between now and the end of October, visit any Metro Bank branch and support the "Coins for Conservation" campaign.

Those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters will be put to use to support the work of the Foundation to develop friends groups — organized groups of volunteers — in parks and forests across the state. Those funds will also be used for plantings, recreational equipment, trailhead development and educational programming in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests.

To participate in Coins for Conservation, take your coins to Metro Bank and look for the Penny Arcade machines. You do not need to be a bank customer. Dump in the coins and take your receipt to the teller and tell him or her that you want to donate the money to Coins for Conservation/PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

You can visit the website to download a "Coins for Conservation Card" to show the teller or simply tell the clerk that you are donating to the PA Parks and Forests Foundation's Coins for Conservation. They'll make the deposit right into the Foundation's account and give you a donation receipt. It's as simple as that!

At this time of tightening budgets, Coins for Conservation offers a painless way for everyone to show support for our parks and forests. After all, the money's already in the jar. You could spend it on just another mocha latte, or you could help sponsor a summer evening's program in one of our beautiful state park campgrounds.

Find a Metro Bank location near you in Central Pennsylvania.