Turning Spare Change into Second Chances

Posing by the coins collected from the Yankee Candle Village moat are (from left) Jeff Palmer (of Yankee Candle), Stacey Price (of Dakin Humane Society), Ben Ware (of Yankee Candle) and Molly Biechele (of Dakin Humane Society).

The moat at Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield doesn’t just hold coins from wishmakers—it holds something far more precious: hope for animals who need it most.

Since 1994, Yankee Candle has been turning those tossed coins into compassion, collecting them and donating the proceeds to Dakin Humane Society. In the early days, Dakin volunteers would drive to the store, loading baskets of coins into their cars. But as the years went by, the growing number—and weight—of those baskets meant making several trips, or even bringing in a truck for the annual collection.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the tradition took a pause. But this past May, it returned in a big way. Yankee Candle’s Sales and Operations Manager Jeff Palmer, joined by Property and Guest Services Manager Ben Ware, arrived at Dakin’s front door with five years’ worth of coins—48 baskets in all!

Nearly 40 dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves to sort and count the treasure over several weeks. Before the sorting began, Dakin’s Facilities Manager, Chris Skelton, had a stroke of genius—renting a mini cement mixer to power-wash the coins, saving weeks of hand cleaning. Along the way, volunteers had a few laughs over the surprises pulled from the moat—foreign currency, marbles, tiny toys, and lucky charms tucked in among the coins.

The total value of the coins is still being processed by the bank, which takes additional time, but the preliminary amount indicates a donation of $11,000.

“At Yankee Candle Village, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years,” stated Jeff. “It’s a privilege to partner with, and support, Dakin Humane Society in their mission to care for animals and enrich lives.”

To Yankee Candle, to our amazing volunteers, and to everyone who tossed a coin and made a wish—we thank you. Together, you’ve turned simple wishes into lifesaving care.