The Penny Harvest Field had a lot of power, but one thing it could not do was talk. That’s why from December 10th to December 31st, volunteer Penny Harvest Fielders made the field come to life as they welcomed the thousands of visitors who stopped to marvel at the field. Fielders inspired conversation about youth, philanthropy, and community in the nation’s busiest “town center.” They explained, to the thousands of visitors who stopped in their tracks to admire the beauty of the field, that the pennies represent the power of New York City children to change their communities, city, and the world.

Fielders represented Penny Harvest Coaches, high schools, corporations, and most importantly, local community organizations that have been proud recipients of Penny Harvest grants. These organizations signed up to volunteer, excited for the opportunity to personally thank their youngest donors and tell other visitors how these students have helped their organization. They encouraged the students to continue caring about the issues they work hard each day to promote – children’s rights, human rights, elder care, the environment, health, disaster relief.

When the field closed on December 31st, 2007, over 750 New Yorkers had provided their time to welcome people from all walks of life – from Penny Harvesters to lifelong New Yorkers to international tourists – and explain how the Penny Harvest Field demonstrated that the mission of Common Cents is well on its way to fruition: a generation of caring, compassionate, and capable citizens is already here.