In a remarkable tale of thriftiness and dedication, 73-year-old Otha Anders from Ruston, Louisiana, recently made headlines by depositing over $5,000 in pennies that he had diligently saved for an astounding 45 years. The unconventional move was motivated by his desire to settle a dental bill, and the unique deposit was made at Ruston Origin Bank, creating quite a stir in the community.
73-year-old Otha Anders, pictured, deposited over $5,000 in pennies he’d saved for 45 years so he could pay a dental bill
Anders’ deposit, consisting of an impressive 513,614 pennies, arrived at the bank in the form of 15 large 5-gallon water jugs filled with the copper coins. The entire process of counting and documenting the pennies took approximately five hours, involving not only bank workers but also Anders’ friends and family who assisted in bringing the pennies to the bank.
The deposit came in the form of 15 5-gallon water jugs full of pennies he has found over the years
Jennie Cole, the vice president of Ruston Origin Bank, shared insights into the meticulous counting process, stating that a specialized machine was employed to tally up the vast number of pennies. She also mentioned that Anders would decide how he wanted to allocate the cashed-in money, providing him with flexibility in managing the funds.
The pennies were reportedly brought in off a truck by Anders, bank workers, and Anders’ loved ones
Anders, when interviewed by The News-Star, revealed the motivation behind his unusual savings habit. He emphasized his commitment to never spending a penny and even humorously remarked, “I would break a dollar before giving up a penny.” His devotion to saving pennies began 45 years ago when he noticed a single penny on the ground. From that moment, he became convinced that finding lost or dropped pennies was a God-given incentive, reminding him to be thankful.
The penny-saving journey became a ritual for Anders, serving as a daily reminder to express gratitude. He shared, “There have been days where I failed to pray, and more often than not, a lost or dropped penny would show up to remind me.” This sentiment reflects a unique perspective on life and gratitude, turning a simple coin into a powerful reminder of appreciation.
Jennie Cole, the bank’s vice president, told The News-Star that a machine was used to tally up the pennies
Interestingly, The News-Star reported that Anders decided to deposit his pennies because they were not covered by his homeowner’s insurance. While the penny deposit may have initially raised eyebrows, it underscores the personal and sentimental value that these coins held for Anders.
The story of Otha Anders and his massive penny deposit is not just a quirky tale of thriftiness; it’s a testament to the significance we can find in small, everyday things. It encourages us to appreciate the little reminders life offers and to find value in the seemingly mundane aspects of our daily existence.