When Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, was younger, he said community members helped him with education. Now, he wants to give back.
“No one gets where they are by themselves,” Smith said. “We came from an impoverished environment, so my mother struggled to provide food and clothing to us. Because I’ve made it, I feel like I need to give back and try to help others.”
Smith, members of the Alpha Kappa Kappa chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and members of the I.U. Dons, Inc. are hosting the 55th annual Penny-A-Thon drive. Smith said he’s been involved with the fundraiser since its beginning.
Proceeds from the Penny-A-Thon will help provide clothes, food and toys to families in need during the Christmas season.
The fundraiser opens the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but Smith said people can donate up until a week after Christmas. In the new year, the organizations will sometimes get requests to pay utility bills, rent or make contributions to a funeral, so that’s what leftover money will go towards.
This year, Smith hopes to raise at least two tons of pennies, which is equal to about $6,000. One ton is about 300,000 pennies.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members will be stationed at the Save More at W. 9th Avenue and Broadway in Gary, according to an event press release. The I.U. Dons members will be at Fresh County Market, 2550 Arthur Street in Gary.
This year, money raised will go towards food, clothing and toys for families. They each get a voucher and can pick what they want.
The amount of families helped depends on money raised, but in the past, Smith said they’ve helped more than 75 families. Community members can refer families in need.
“I’m elated to see the community has been supporting this project now for 55 years,” Smith said. “I really enjoy the spirit they exhibit when they are giving.”
