PSI launches the Change to Make a Change Project

Oklahoma City, January 26, 2010 - Vendors, partners and other friends of PSI received a unique New Year’s ‘gift’ to welcome in the new decade.  Although simplistic in its premise, the Change to Make a Change project has far-reaching implications for years to come.  Based on the book, “Christmas Jars” by Jason F. Wright, each recipient received an empty jar with one request:  fill up the jar with loose change over the course of the upcoming year, then anonymously give it to an organization or individual in need with the instructions to do the same in 2011.

One organization that has taken the Change to Make a Change mission to heart is the XXVIII class of Leadership Oklahoma City.  Spearheaded by Celine Ferguson of Coppermark Bank, the jar that she received from PSI inspired her to take the project to the next level. “I had been trying to think of something that my Leadership Oklahoma City class could do to make a difference when I received the Change to Make a Change jar from PSI.  This jar quickly became my inspiration…I told my classmates about the basis of the jar and they immediately wanted to pass it around the room.  On the first pass we raised $436.76,” said Ferguson.

“We will be passing the jar around at our remaining meetings and voting on the nonprofit organizations that will receive donations.  Then at the kickoff meeting for the incoming Leadership Oklahoma City class, we will ‘bequeath’ the jar to them in hopes that they will keep the ‘spirit of the jar’ alive,” she added. 

“It’s our hope that this will become a Leadership Oklahoma City tradition!  Thanks again for the inspiration.”

It’s never too late to start your own Change to Make a Change jar.  It’s simple.  Grab an empty jar and start tossing in your spare change.  When the holidays roll around, begin looking for someone in need – a neighbor, co-worker, friend – the choice is completely yours.  Anonymously leave the jar for them to find and ask them to do one thing:  fill the jar with change over the upcoming year and pass it on to another person in need.  It’s a simple act that can lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of lives touched over the years.

For inspirational stories or more information on Jason F. Wright, visit www.christmasjars.com.