Use of Credit/Debit Cards hurting loose change fund

I saw this years article about the loose change fund donation and it seemed a lot lower than the past. So I looked back and was able to gather some numbers.

2011 - $1,000
2010 - $1,500
2009 - $1,900 ($184,000 since 1988)
2008 - $5,100 (this years was calculated from totals announced in 2007 & 2009)
2007 - $6,800 ($177,000 since 1988)

I couldn't find any older info. So, taking the 2007 figures, 1988-2006 averaged $8,958

This would be the change found in the fountains, etc., correct?

With widespread electronic POS terminals now, I'm not at all surprised.

I'd look at it this way though... just doing Coasting For Kids for GKTW more than makes up for charitable donations originating at the park.

Yes Kevin.

The loss of Demon Drop and the Ball fountain probably didn't help either.

Absolutely Jeff. I just thought it was an interesting observation. I just hope the CFK date doesn't conflict with my plans this year. :-)

Since the loose change is mostly from a different source than the CFK donations, perhaps someone could develop a terminal where people can swipe their card to virtually toss a coin into a fountain for luck. ;-)

Make a virtual wish, and swipe your card.

Or be ask when you purchase something if you want your change or have a box their collecting the change. Up until someone can re-configure the pricing and go back to even amounts with the tax included into the equation.

Jeff said:
I'd look at it this way though... just doing Coasting For Kids for GKTW more than makes up for charitable donations originating at the park.

Agreed - Unless you are the organization that is benefitting from the loose change donation. They are taking a hit.

I noticed the same thing with the amounts going down every year. They clearly need a coaster with a jojo roll to replace Demon Drop and the Midway Fountain. :)

KHTOExtreme said:
Or be ask when you purchase something if you want your change or have a box their collecting the change.

That's a pretty good idea. I think every fast food restaurant in existence has something similar at the registers.

Yeah, looks like the Demon Drop brought in quite a bit of money each year.