What is Pennies for Life?
It's a program through the Diocese of Orlando to generate funding by collecting pennies to help educate people on a variety of pro-life issues. The idea came about before Lent 2003 with the thought of doing something that would get folks involved throughout the diocese. Since then we've had people all over the US collecting and sending their pennies, and some have made it an Advent and/or Lenten project for their school, class, community, home, etc.

What is the goal?
A goal is a dream with a deadline. The dream is to collect 1.6 million pennies (approx number of babies aborted last year) by Easter. 1.6 million pennies is about 64 of the 5 gallon water jugs. Each jug contains about 25,000 ($250) in pennies. Since Lent 2003 we've collected over $12,000!

How do you use the money?
We bring in speakers to help educate people on pro-life issues. In April 2003 we had the band OPEN perform and then singer/speaker Monica share her testimony. In Sep 2003 we had Sean Dalton from the Archdiocese of Denver share his story, and international singer Greg Magirescu perform to hundreds of people. We also purchased a variety of pro-life information and distributed it throughout both evenings as well as through several local churches. In 2004 we had Matthew Kelly and Mary Ann Kuharski speak to a variety of groups in the diocese, and we also provided pro-life information. We're working to have Christopher West and Jason Evert speak in the diocese in 2005.

How does one (or a group) get involved?
Contact the Diocese Respect Life Office at (407) 246-4819 or respectlife@orlandodiocese.org. You can also contact Dominic Catalano at (352) 636-8750 or Catalano@excite.com. Check out our website at www.PenniesForLife.com! We're looking for individuals and/or groups to commit to collecting one jug apiece of pennies. It's a great Advent or Lent project for schools, youth groups, etc. Also, we've added newspaper recycling bins, and we're looking for locations throughout the Orlando Diocese. Let us know if your church or community could use a bin.

Why Pennies?
Pennies are viewed as valueless by our society. Like pennies human life has been deemed valueless or having very little value. Yet, we know that God has a much bigger plan, even when we all struggle with our mission on earth. Even oounting the pennies makes us get dirty, and that reminds us of how relationships can sometimes not be perfect, yet part of who we are...sinners but forgiven. Once folks start to see the large number of pennies, they can get a visual of how many lives are aborted each year as well.

Can we donate bills or coins?
Yes, we'll convert them if need be to add to the pennies. If you can do that at your end, that'll make it easier for us. If you can't give a penny, give a Franklin.

Where do we send donations?
Respect Life Office
PO Box 1800
Orlando, Florida 32802-1800
Attn:  Operation Pennies for Life