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Get ready to celebrate an unusual holiday on February 28 – it's Car Keys and Small Change Day! This unique day was created to remind people of the importance of keeping spare change and car keys handy, whether it's for emergencies or just everyday convenience. Did you know that the first modern car key was invented in 1949 by Chrysler? And who can forget all those times we've rummaged through our purses and pockets trying to find some spare change for a parking meter? So let's take a moment to appreciate these small but essential items in our lives and make sure we have them close by on this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1769</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Steam-Powered Vehicle</div><div class='timeline-text'>French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first steam-powered vehicle, marking the beginning of the automotive era.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Usage of Spare Change Increases</div><div class='timeline-text'>As commerce expanded during the 19th century, the new economic order resulted in an increase in the use and value of small change.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern Car Key</div><div class='timeline-text'>Chrysler invented the first modern car key, adding a new aspect to car safety and convenience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Car-Centric Society</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increase in car ownership lead to society becoming more car-centric, emphasizing the necessity and importance of responsible car key handling.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tech Advancements in Key Designs</div><div class='timeline-text'>Automotive key design technology advanced in the late 20th century, introducing features like remote lock/unlock, immobilizers, and push-to-start ignitions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Car Keys and Small Change Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The unique holiday of Car Keys and Small Change Day is first observed, reminding people about the importance of car keys and spare change.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hide car keys and small change around your house or neighborhood and create a fun scavenger hunt for your friends or family to participate in on Car Keys and Small Change Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a road trip</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some spare change and take a spontaneous road trip with your friends or family on Car Keys and Small Change Day. See where the open road takes you and create some memorable experiences along the way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Clean out your car and collect all the spare change you can find. Then, donate it to a charity that supports a cause you are passionate about on Car Keys and Small Change Day. Every little bit helps!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a car wash fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and host a car wash fundraiser on Car Keys and Small Change Day. Use the spare change you collect to donate to a local charity or organization.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a small change jar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start a tradition of collecting small change throughout the year and donate it to a charity on Car Keys and Small Change Day. You can also use the money to treat yourself to something small, like a nice dinner or a movie.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to appreciate the little things</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Car Keys and Small Change may seem like insignificant objects, but they play a big role in our daily lives. This holiday gives us a chance to recognize and appreciate the small items that often go unnoticed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They are essential for everyday tasks</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>We rely on our car keys and loose change for simple errands like grocery shopping or running to the bank. This holiday reminds us of their importance in our daily routines and how they make our lives easier.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They hold sentimental value</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Car keys and small change can also hold sentimental value, such as being a token from a cherished memory or belonging to a loved one. This holiday allows us to reflect on these memories and appreciate them even more.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 20 Billion Coins are in Circulation in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>The U.S. Mint produces billions of coins each year. With all that change out there, just imagine what might be hiding under your car seats!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An Estimated 20 million People Lose Their Car Keys Annually</h3><p class='facts-content'>This statistic serves as a reminder of how easy it is to misplace our car keys, and hence the importance of having spare ones and a designated place for them.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Small Change Can Add up to Big Savings</h3><p class='facts-content'>If you were to collect every loose coin you found over a year, it could sum up to a hefty saving. A great habit to start on Car Keys and Small Change Day!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Electronic Keys are Not Immune to Loss or Malfunction</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even with advancements in car keys, about 26% of drivers have experienced an issue with their electronic keys, reinforcing the importance of having a backup plan.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Penny Production Exceeds its Face Value</h3><p class='facts-content'>It costs around 1.7 cents to make a single penny in the U.S., a fact worth pondering on our small change's real value on Car Keys and Small Change Day.</p></div></div>
Car Keys and Small Change Day is celebrated on February 28 every year. In 2024, this day falls on a Wednesday.
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 28
Wednesday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday
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