Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day

August 8, Friday

Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day
© ShutterStock
Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day is celebrated annually on August 8. This unofficial holiday is dedicated to a simple but meaningful tradition of small acts of kindness and mutual help in everyday life.

What Take a Penny / Leave a Penny means
The phrase "Take a Penny / Leave a Penny" refers to small trays at store checkouts where people can:

* take a missing coin (usually 1 cent) if they don’t have enough for a purchase;
* leave extra change to help someone else.

It is an unspoken gesture of trust, courtesy, and support between strangers.

Purpose of the holiday

* To encourage small acts of kindness in daily life;
* To remind that even small things can be useful and meaningful;
* To emphasize the importance of honesty and mutual help in society.

How it is celebrated

* Participating in the "take a penny / leave a penny" practice in stores and gas stations;
* Sharing stories about kind acts and gestures of support;
* Discussing mutual aid topics on social media;
* Inspiring others to be attentive to those who literally need just one coin.

Interesting fact
Although the one-cent coin (penny) today has almost no purchasing power, it has become a symbol of attentiveness and small everyday kindness. The holiday reminds us that even what seems insignificant can play a role — especially at the right moment.
Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day – days left: 1. Create Countdown to Event

Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day in other years

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