Dennis Marchi, manager at Schnucks, didn't have any idea Saturday's story in the Missourian concerning the penny shortage would have such an impact.

"People have been emptying their penny jars and bringing in the coins all day," said Marchi. "Some have even been trying to donate the pennies to the store."

The story reported that the Federal Reserve in St. Louis won't distribute pennies to banks in eastern Missouri until June. Area banks are able to supply only some of the pennies normally used in daily transactions.

Signs posted at Schnucks asked patrons to use correct change whenever possible.

Bringing the pennies to the store has been a real random act of kindness. "The response has been great, it's just been really neat," said Marchi.

Kim McDowell of the Southeast Missourian said her husband had even gotten in on the act.

"He cleaned all the pennies out of his car and took them in," she said.