Morongo Casino 'Spare Change' Adds Up To Hefty Donation For Youth

CABAZON, CA — Never underestimate a lack of common cents.

A coronavirus-related coin shortage, coupled with local casino patrons, who donated the spare change from their winnings, ended in a jackpot for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa recently presented the non-profit, in the Banning and Beaumont region, with $128,643 — a tidy sum that began as a coin-collection effort in July, as the casino struggled to pay winnings in full, due to a nationwide shortfall of quarters, nickels, dimes and even pennies.

The national coin shortage, attributed last summer to a pandemic-driven disruption in shopping and coin circulation, plus the U.S. mint's decreased production to protect its workers, left businesses across the country, including casinos like Morongo, with limited coinage on-hand.

So in July, Morongo began offering customers the option to donate the spare change from their winnings to charity, and thousands did, casino officials said.

“We are simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our guests during these challenging times to help local youth through Morongo’s community coin-donation program,” said Morongo’s Tribal Chairman Robert Martin.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass executive director Amy Herr said the funds will help operate education support and other programs offered by the organization.

“We are beyond grateful for the generosity of Morongo’s guests, and for the casino’s innovation in turning a nationwide coin shortage into a positive that is benefiting local children during these critical times,” Herr said, adding: “Once again, Morongo has stepped up for local youth, and we are very thankful.”

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