Money collected in Lynchburg’s parking meters provides kids with sports opportunities

LYNCHBURG, Va. – People in the Lynchburg area have been putting a lot of spare change in the new parking meters, which is making a big difference.

Change in Exchange for Change Caring Meters is an organization that raises money, and after they have saved up $1,000, they will give it to a local charity that is helping those in need.

On Tuesday, they gave a check in the amount of $4,000 to the Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative. The donation was made possible by matching partners.

The organization gives kids the chance to take part in pop-up sports clinics, and the Lynchburg Sports Locker provides the kids with the equipment they need.

One of the people involved in the program is Todd Olsen, who is the head coach of the women’s soccer team at the University of Lynchburg. He said that the money would give more youngsters the chance to pursue their interests.

“We have a society now that’s a pay-to-play model. If you don’t have a lot of money, it’s really hard to play, it’s hard to get good. At the University of Lynchburg, if you want to play women’s soccer here, it costs thousands and thousands to get good enough to play; and that’s not fair for a lot of people in our community,” said Olsen.

Since it was founded two years ago, Change for Change has given more than $15,000 to a total of five different organizations.