You know what I dislike? How heavy my purse, wallet, and jean pockets feel when I have loose change jingling in them.

What am I supposed to do with pennies and nickels?

Last time I checked, the only items that cost only cents were for sale in the 1950s.

While you may be nodding your head, agreeing that some spare is a hassle, think again!

The idea of donating money doesn’t have to be writing huge checks for hundreds of dollars — you lighten your wallet and donate that spare change!

For three days, I sat outside my school cafeteria with three jars adorned with Girl Up stickers. I also had Girl Up pens, magnets, and pins for sale alongside cards of Girl Up information.

In the beginning, girls walked by my table, clearly perplexed as to why I was asking for spare change.

However, as time went on, hoards of girls would stop in their paths on their way back from the soda machines, ask about Girl Up, and kindly donate the extra 50 cents that otherwise would have been taking up space in their wallets.

So many girls began to take interest in Girl Up that some of my classmates asked for pieces of paper and pens so that they could write inspiring messages to their sisters abroad.

My classmates also excitedly purchased the colorful Girl Up pens, exclaiming that they loved how well the pens write, but more importantly that they felt a part of something greater than themselves.

Since my second event this school year, I have noticed countless IHA girls adorning the big Girl Up pins, showing that they are ready to talk about High Fives, the UN Foundation, and helping adolescent girls!

I learned two lessons from my second Girl Up event. People are easily inspired by the Girl Up mission, but first they need information about the campaign, inspiration to tell others about it, and most importantly see the passion that lies within to help girls around the world!

Second, important social change always takes place on a small level.

Never get discouraged by not being able to host million-dollar events or huge community gatherings. Using your big ideas, start small — every penny raised for Girl Up counts!

Over my three-day event, I raised more than $70 from simple coin donations!

Lucy is a Teen Advisor fo Girl Up.

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