This new charitable organization in Park Ridge is focused on the idea of building a more connected, more compassionate community

Pennies for Pennyville Q&A with Steve Judge
PenniesForPennyville.org

Background: The city of Park Ridge was originally known as Pennyville, a nod to George Penny, whose brickyards helped build the community from the ground up. Today, Pennies for Pennyville embraces that history not just in name, but in spirit.

Just as the original Pennyville was built brick by brick, our nonprofit was founded on the belief that communities grow stronger the same way: through small acts that stack into something meaningful. Whether it’s a can of soup or a small act of generosity, every “penny” helps lay another brick in building a more connected, more compassionate community.

Pennies for Pennyville focuses on supporting local families, organizations and community causes through hands-on service and creative, hyperlocal fundraising.

The focus: Pennies for Pennyville focuses on supporting local families, organizations and community causes through hands-on service and creative, hyperlocal fundraising. Our “Bag It Up for the Holidays” project was a great community-wide effort to fill local food pantries before Christmas. Also on the horizon are themed fundraiser events like “Abrewham Drinkin’” on Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12) at Une Annee Brewery, expanded family-friendly programming, and larger annual gatherings that celebrate the community’s giving spirit.

A key part of the organization’s mission is our Kids’ Club, which gives young people hands-on opportunities to help their neighbors and learn the value of giving back.

Looking for volunteers: A key part of the organization’s mission is nurturing the next generation of volunteers through the Pennies for Pennyville Kids’ Club, which gives young people hands-on opportunities to help their neighbors and learn the value of giving back. From decorating holiday bags to assembling care items for first responders to restocking Blessing Boxes around town, Kids’ Club members experience firsthand how their contributions make a real impact. The goal is simple: to foster a spirit of kindness, responsibility and community involvement that lasts far beyond childhood.

To learn more or sign up to get involved, visit PenniesForPennyville.org