Sky Harbor gives travelers option to donate spare change to USO

PHOENIX — Travelers willing to spare a dime — or more — could leave a lasting impression at Sky Harbor Airport.

Arizona’s local United Service Organizations has begun its Spare Change program, collecting travelers’ change as they pass through the airport.

The blue deposit boxes are at the entrance of each security checkpoint. The money goes toward amenities in the USO airport lounge.

Earlier this week, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton dropped in the official first coins.

“When you’re going through security and you’ve got loose change,” he said, “why not just drop it in our bucket here and support our USO?”

Local USO coordinator Tara Mogan playfully reminded Stanton that boxes can take dollars. He quickly stepped up and stuffed a buck in the box.

The money, Mogan said, “is used to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, by providing a familiar and relaxing environment.”

Each year, about 23,000 troops and their families benefit from the USO at Sky Harbor.

The USO turns 74 next week.

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