Every Coin Has a Story

Some people see a handful of spare change.

Our family sees possibility.

Long before Coins for Coco became a nonprofit program, we loved searching through pocket change and coin rolls for rare dates, error coins, and hidden treasures. We learned that something many people overlook can hold incredible value.

That simple hobby planted a seed.

Then our hearts were forever changed by Coco.

Coco wasn't born into our family. She came into our lives through foster care and, later, adoption.

Born with Trisomy 9 Mosaic, her young parents loved her deeply but were unable to meet the extraordinary medical and daily care her condition required.

We knew her future was uncertain. Early in her life, doctors prepared her family for the unimaginable. They were told she might live 7 days... then 7 months... then perhaps 7 years.

We didn't know how many years we would have with her.

We only knew that every child deserves to be loved, wanted, and to belong.

When her adoption became official, she wasn't simply joining our family.

She was already a daughter, a sister, a part of our family.

Today, Coco is 15 years old.

She continues to amaze everyone around her with her courage, resilience, and joy. As we share her story, she is preparing for another major surgery—back surgery—with an expected recovery of at least six months.

Her life changed ours forever.

It also inspired a question that became our mission:

What if every coin could become something bigger?

What if spare change, forgotten coin jars, inherited collections, rare coins, neighborhood lemonade stands, clothing donations, and everyday acts of kindness could help families facing extraordinary challenges?

That question became Coins for Coco, a program of the CoWanda Joy Foundation.

Today, we work to raise awareness, provide practical support, and build a community for families affected by rare genetic disorders. We believe no family should have to navigate that journey alone.

Our children are growing up learning that generosity is just as important as entrepreneurship. Through lemonade stands, community events, and service projects, they're discovering that success isn't measured only by what you earn—but by what you choose to give.

We also welcome coin bucket donations.

Whether it's spare change from your cup holder, a forgotten jar tucked away in a closet, an inherited coin collection, or a rare error coin you've been saving, every coin has the potential to become hope for another family.

Every dollar given...

Every item donated...

Every coin collected...

Every act of kindness...

...helps write the next chapter of someone else's story.

Whether you choose to Give Hope, donate clothing or household items, contribute coins, volunteer, or simply share our mission, you are becoming part of Coco's legacy.

Together, we're proving that even the smallest things can create extraordinary change.

Thank you for believing that hope grows when a community comes together.

One Coin. One Family. One Act of Kindness at a Time.

💜 Our First $275 Has a Big Job

Our very first fundraising goal is $275 — the amount needed to take the next step toward securing official 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status for the CoWanda Joy Foundation / Coins for Coco.

That means the first coins dropped into a box, the first small donations, and the first neighbors who choose to believe in this mission are helping us build the legal foundation that allows Coins for Coco to grow into a lasting nonprofit organization.

Reaching this first $275 milestone will help us move from a newly formed nonprofit corporation toward federally recognized charitable status — opening the door to greater fundraising opportunities, grants, community partnerships, and long-term support for families who need us.

So when we say every coin counts, we truly mean it. Our first $275 helps make Coins for Coco official. Everything after that helps us grow the mission. 💜

💜 With gratitude,

The CoWanda Joy Foundation

Coins for Coco

Support Coins for Coco

Turning Compassion into Action for families facing rare genetic disorders. Every Coin Has a Story. Every Gift Creates Hope.