The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine (CFGM) believes our youth represent emerging voices of leadership in our community. The group knows that giving and generosity need nurturing, and the sooner caregivers introduce and reinforce these concepts, the stronger our community becomes.
 Recently, the CFGM

reached out to local author, Becky Whitmore, to see if she would write a children’s book about giving and generosity. Becky teamed up with Joshua Suber, a Georgia Tech student, Gates Millennium Scholar, and talented artist, to do the illustration. Misty Urban from the Writer’s on the Avenue, also volunteered her time to edit the story. An outpouring of kindness and volunteerism created this story. 

Find a Penny, their finished work, tells the story of a boy who encounters a veteran in need and finds a way to help. The young boy’s kindness, in the end, multiplies through those that see his act of generosity. This one powerful story has many messages built in, messages that will naturally create conversation beyond the end of the book,

This holiday, give the gift of generosity, seen through the eyes and actions of one little boy with a lucky penny and a willingness to share. Also, enjoy glimpses of Muscatine that have been incorporated into the illustrations.

Pre-order the book today for pickup at the CFGM office (208 West Second Street, Suite 213, Muscatine) by December 18th. Also, look out for pennies!  To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the CFGM will drop pennies throughout Muscatine County the week of December 16th. If you find a penny on the ground and it has the CFGM logo on the back, you will have good luck indeed! Drop by the CFGM office and bring the penny to pick up your free copy of this children’s book of kindness.

Books cost $15 each. All proceeds will go to a Youth Philanthropy operated by the CFGM. Additionally, in 2020, the CFGM will begin a Youth Philanthropy Leadership group comprised of local high school students. One of the leadership training opportunities they will experience includes granting the monies in this fund to Muscatine County youth led initiatives. A copy of Find a Penny will also go to each first-grade classroom in Muscatine County, brought by a Youth Philanthropy student who will read and discuss the themes of kindness and giving with students.

Charla Schafer, Executive Director of the CFGM noted, “we are pleased that our friend, Becky Whitmore, was able to bring giving and generosity to life through this story of a young boy with a good heart. This story transcends our local community, as inspiring acts of kindness are quietly delivered every day in Muscatine County, making the fabric of our community stronger and brighter for our children.”