In today's world, the penny seems so insignificant. Nothing even costs a penny. They weigh down our pockets, fall to the bottom of our purses, and end up between the cushions of the couch. Most of the time they're a nuisance of a coin.

Except when you collect them, along with the rest of the spare change in your pocket, from everyone in your office, for six weeks. Then you end up with $179, which is enough to give a family in poverty a respectable Christmas.

This was just one example of the many ways that a network of Kensington-area family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, book clubs and church groups supported the efforts of A Wider Circle this Christmas. If you've read this column over the past few weeks, you've probably surmised that I'm a huge supporter of A Wider Circle. With their mission to end poverty, they work tirelessly and selflessly to help individuals and families break their cycle of poverty.

Each year, when I put the call out to my own network of friends for sponsoring A Wider Circle families with gifts or making donations of money and gift cards, I am overwhelmed by the generosity that ensues. Each family provides a "wish list" of items that they need or want and we do our best to fulfill their wishes. We always provide the "necessary" gifts, which include underwear, socks, blankets, sheets and other clothing. But we like to include something fun, educational or special. While the focus is usually on the kids, we also pay attention to what the moms want. The week before Christmas finds many of us delivering the gifts to our sponsored families, which is always a very genuine and meaningful experience. 

This year my sister put two large glass jars in strategic places in her office for people to drop in their pocket change (including annoying pennies) when they walk by. She sent out an e-mail explaining that she was collecting the money for the charitable organization, and put a sign on the jars. For the past six weeks, she listened to the constant clinking of change being dropped into the jars. 

Last Saturday, she hauled her very heavy load to the bank and dumped the coins in the counter. The grand total was $179, and she threw in a dollar for good luck. It so happened that I had just been given another family to be sponsored. With that $180 I was able to buy them socks, underwear, hats, gloves, pants, shirts, matchbox cars, nerf balls, a game, sheets, towels and a coat for the mom. This, along with a couple of donated gift cards to Safeway, will allow this mother to provide her family with a dignified Christmas celebration. 

Many thanks to all who dropped in their spare change, not even thinking about how powerful their pennies would become. I am looking forward to delivering the gifts this week. Happy Holidays!