The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of so many things we previously took for granted: Our health, our work, our freedom, toilet paper.

And, now, add to that list: change.

The pandemic and the economic shutdowns meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have slowed both the production of coins (as mints were shut down) and their circulation (as Americans ordered to stay home shopped less).

In many places, including the Meijer here in Alpena, customers are being limited to credit card or debit card purchases, or asked to pay with exact change.

And, just as we Americans have been called up to make face masks, ration toilet paper, and donate food and money, now, we must do our part and flood the market with coins.

So dig into your couch cushions, Northeast Michigan. Find what’s fallen beneath your car seat. Grab that glass jar out of the back of your closet. Weigh your pockets down with change the next time you go to the store so you can pay with exact change.

The Federal Reserve and U.S. Mint are working on a solution, but let’s do our part to help them out.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)