Penny the Pig collects dough

By KATIE SEMINARA

Penny’s summer travels have just begun.

LORDSTOWN — It’s a good thing the Easter Seals volunteers don’t have to wrap all of those pennies from their piggy bank.

A whole lotta rolls would need to be wrapped after raising $500 in two hours at the GM Lordstown fabricating plant Friday during Easter Seals’ annual Drive for Dough.

And that was just the first shift.

Easter Seals provides services for adults and children with disabilities and special needs in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

The organization has parked Penny the Pig outside of area locations for 20 years, and she made her summer debut at GM.

“These guys are so much fun and we look forward to coming here each year” said Jodi Harmon, Easter Seals’ development and public relations coordinator.

Last year, after Penny’s summer collecting tour, Easter Seals raised $15,000 and is hoping for $20,000 this year, said Harmon.

Harmon totes the larger-than-life pig behind her car — earning beeps and reactions everywhere she goes. Penny traveled about 100 miles Friday, and her summer travels have just begun.

Valley residents will have the opportunity to stick their cash in Penny’s nose at many sites in the coming months.

George Kondas of Austintown, who has been with GM for 22 years, took his turn before starting work.

“Donating is something we do. It’s not out of habit; it’s just what we do,” said Kondas who had seen Penny numerous times before.

“If we have it, we share it,” said Kondas.

Kondas’ co-workers didn’t hesitate to throw in change, and even some 10s and 20s, while thanking Harmon for bringing Penny out to the plant.

One employee, Chris Timms of Boardman, was hoping they could raise up to $4,000 for Easter Seals while Penny was visiting.

“It’s for a good cause,” Timms said. “The money stays and helps the kids, and that’s what is important.”

Harmon didn’t anticipate $4,000 from the GM workers and said they would probably raise about $1,000 after Penny’s stay in Lordstown.

“You can tell they all value giving back to the community, and that’s what is great about this event,” Harmon said.

Penny will be at other businesses throughout the summer, and the Easter Seals Web site has more information on dates and locations, www.mtceasterseals.com.