The Bermuda Junior Service league has launched "Coins for a cause'' a fundraising drive for two local charities.

The public has been donating loose change to the coin drive at dozens of sites throughout the Island since Wednesday.

The last donations will be collected at 5.30 p.m. today.

Proceeds will go to the PALS and the Bermuda Health Alliance, which were chosen by league members because they both will touch everyones' lives either dircetly or indirectly.

Schools around the Island are taking part in the programme and it is sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda, the Marketplace, Gibbons' Company, and several other companies.

Collection buckets have been available at 25 locations throughout the Island and special drives have been held at schools.

The drive was inspired by a similar drive held by talk show host Oprah Winfrey called the Angel Network.

The network collected millions throughout the US for children's scholarships.

President of the BJSL Karen Stout said: "It's a great way for people to give back to Bermuda.'' Deputy headmaster of Whitney Institute Gareth Davies said each year group at the middle school has its own bucket and there is a competition on to see which group gets the most. He added: "It's a friendly competition between the year groups. It makes them more aware about those who are not as fortunate as them.'' Mr. Davies explained the school was happy to support the BJSL while teaching a valuable lesson.