Thank Banks - qcnthi

Thank Banks collect small change for big changes

Posted Online: Oct. 01, 2010, 12:00 am 
By Leon Lagerstam, leon@qconline.com

ALEDO -- Small change can make big changes in the lives of Ethiopian Jews headed to western Galilee, Israel.

And depositing as many pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters as they can in ''Thank Banks'' has become a fun activity for local families, including Don, Deb, Michael and Josh Bowen, of Aledo, and visiting international exchange student Tamara Awadeh, 16, from Israel.

Thank Banks are digital coin-counting containers being used for a fundraiser tied to a ''Night to Honor Israel'' event on Thursday, Oct. 7.

Event organizers began selling the banks in April, and asked if each could be filled with $100 in change. People can pour those donations into a collection site that will be near the stage.

A free-will offering also will be collected during the annual event, which has raised more than $232,000 in the past six years. The event is designed as a way for Christians to honor their Jewish friends.

''As Christians, we are grateful for the Jewish contribution to our faith,'' event executive director Tom McGovern said. ''Christianity could not exist apart from Judaism.

''Where would Christians be without Jesus, the patriarchs and the prophets, the proverbs and the psalms?'' he said. ''These are all gifts that God gave us through the Jewish people, and, in a small way, we are saying 'thank you' with our Thank Banks.''

It's also been an exciting scavenger hunt, involving whole families, Mrs. Bowen said.

She had no idea beforehand that her kids had ''secret stashes'' of money. They also have made it a practice of ''confiscating'' small change they find in their father's pants pockets or her purse.

''I had a lot of change that I didn't feel like carrying around or trying to spend somewhere,'' said Josh Bowen, 15. ''So I thought it would be cool to raise money for Israel, while finding a place to put all my change.''

He had been using an Aledo coffee mug to toss his coins into before his mother bought the $10 Thank Bank.

His brother, Michael, 13, also used a cup as a coin collector, but prefers the Thank Bank. ''I like how it counts by itself,'' he said.

They also enjoy attending the Night to Honor Israel event, and know firsthand from Miss Awadeh how beneficial their contributions are.

Mr. McGovern said the change may not seem like a lot, but to Ethiopian Jews coming into their promised land, it is everything. "It is their hope and their future.''

Mrs. Bowen often uses the word passion when it comes to her interest in helping her Jewish friends, developed during an eight-year project of hers called ''A Book By Me.''

The project involves local students writing books about Jewish Holocaust victims, concentration camp liberators and others who came to the aid of victims. See abookbyme.com for details.

She also works a lot with international exchange students of all faiths. ''So I like to think we can all live in peace,'' Mrs. Bowen said. ''And I want my kids to have a deeper understanding of the importance Jewish people have played, and how Israel is such a significant place on planet earth.

''For me, it's about the passion I have for keeping the people of Israel safe,'' she said. ''The people who are under attack there are the children and the grandchildren of people victimized by the Holocaust. It's evident that everybody's in danger from terrorists.''

Miss Awadeh tells about the bomb shelter her family has in the backyard, and how her uncle was held at gunpoint and robbed a couple weeks before she came to Aledo.

Her stories make an impression, Josh Bowen said.

''And we're going to keep the bank and chock it full for next year,'' Mrs. Bowen said.

''We'll try to reach $150 next year,'' Michael Bowen added. ''But we might need another jar.''

Thank Banks are available by calling (563) 209-5074.  Each bank comes with Psalms 116: 17-19 written on it, Mr. McGovern said.

''I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord,'' reads the Scripture. ''I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the house of the Lord, in the heart of Jerusalem.''

Thank Banks, he said, are another vehicle to offer those sacrifices and offerings to the Lord and His people, in the form of small change that leads to big changes in their lives.

If you go

What:7th annual Night to Honor Israel fundraiser.

When:7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7.

Where:Adler Theatre, Davenport.

Cost:Free.

Keynote speaker: The Rev. John Hagee, New York Times-best selling author, evangelical pastor and passionate supporter of Israel.