BERRIEN COUNTY — The power of a penny is perhaps best seen during the Berrien County Cancer Services’ annual fundraising event.

Last year Pennies for Patients garnered about $20,194 in donations and this year officials are hoping to surpass that amount so that they can continue to help local cancer patients have access to care. 

People are invited to bring their pennies, as well as nickels, dimes and dollar bills to the 29th annual Pennies for Patients event on from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the Berrien County Cancer Services office, 7301 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.

Pat Moody will help to broadcast the event on Moody in the Morning from the nonprofit’s office.

A Niles drop-off location will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the St. John’s United Church of Christ, 601 Sycamore St. Cookies and punch will be served. The money for Pennies for Patients is collected through May 31. People are also welcome to contribute online at bccancerservice.org. 

Nancy Church, the executive director of the Berrien County Cancer Services, said the idea behind Pennies for Patients is that every little bit helps.

“Anyone can contribute a penny,” Church said. “No matter how young you are. We really appreciate the schools, businesses and people that collect those pennies for the cancer patients in their community.”

For cancer patients in Berrien County, the Berrien County Cancer Services provides free skilled oncology nurses. The service also provides a large loan closet of medical equipment for cancer patients in need. The nonprofit also operates an art-based program and support groups to help cancer patients and their families.

Across Berrien County, the services are well-utilized by a number of families. In 2017, Berrien County Cancer Services provided nearly 2,500 hours in nursing hours to local cancer patients. There were 512 cancer patients served. According to Church, if a dollar amount was provided on last year’s services, it would equate to more than $390,000 in nursing value.

“We make a huge impact for those patients that would fall through the cracks,” Church said. “I think all of us have been touched by cancer, whether a family member or someone close to us.”

The Berrien County Cancer Services is funded by United Way of Southwest Michigan, fundraisers and the Berrien County community. Church said without the Berrien County community’s contributions, the organization could not have the outreach they do.

She encouraged those wanting to help a service that gives back to local residents to find a penny or two and contribute to the cause. 

“It keeps our nurses on the road,” Church said.

In the 28 years that the Pennies for Patients fundraiser has existed, $484,279 has been collected. This year, Church said she hopes to beat last year’s amount raised and surpass the $500,000 mark. 

“It certainly is our longest running signature fundraiser,” Church said. “We accept all kinds of pennies. We accept silver pennies and green paper pennies. You don’t have to bring just pennies. You can bring any denomination.”