Final drive for Pennies

With July 7 -- the official first day of Pennies for the Park laying events -- just around the corner, the Youth Activity Team has organized a final drive to gather funds.

Beginning at 8 a.m. today, YAT members and officials will be stationed around Fort Scott and in front of UMB Bank, 324 S. National.

Since March 18, YAT has been collecting pennies in an effort to kick-start the construction of the new Ellis Park. The new park will actually be an addition, although, with over a dozen additions including a miniature golf course, batting cages and walking trails, YAT members say it will be like a brand new park.

The conclusion of this drive is slated to be a five-day penny laying session in which YAT hopes to lay 40 miles worth of pennies from end-to-end. If successful, Fort Scott will break the previous world record of 34 miles set in Malaysia. Guinness World Record officials will be on hand from July 10-11 inspecting the penny chain.

Friday's final drive referred to as, "calling all pennies home" will be an effort to collect all outstanding funds for the project.

All area businesses and individuals who have been collecting pennies for the project are asked to bring the funds to UMB between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, those unable to make the trip or carry the funds can call the Buck Run Community Center at (620) 223 0386, and a YAT member will come to the business or residence to retrieve the pennies.

YAT Co-convener Diana Mitchell said she expects a very large turnout for the event and urges everyone in the community to bring their donations. "Tomorrow is your chance," she said. "If you've been thinking oh I am going to give to Pennies for the Park, tomorrow is your chance."

Beyond the monetary donations, YAT is also looking for volunteers to lay pennies between July 7 and 11. Teams of 5 or more interested in volunteering can sign up at Buck Run. All penny layers must be 16 years of age or older.