To support local businesses short on change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three Mechanics Bank branches in Contra Costa County — including the Mira Vista branch in Richmond — are encouraging residents to swap their change for paper bills at their coin-counting machines, without paying fees.
Fees are being waived for a limited time in response to the coin shortage, which has been caused by the closure or reduction in operations of businesses during the pandemic that often deal in change, as well as a reduction in production of coins by the U.S. Mint, which implemented measures to protect its employees.
The self-help coin-counting machines will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at Mechanics Bank’s Mira Vista Branch at 4100 Macdonald Ave.; Danville Branch inside Lunardi’s Supermarkets at 345 Railroad Ave.; and the Walnut Creek Branch at 1350 North Main St.
