Often seen on the counter of a gas station, the Lend-A-Penny Jar is a jar or tray into which people toss the pennies they receive in change from a purchase. The pennies are then available for someone else who may be a few cents short when they come to pay for their gasoline.

Some gas stations will actually stock an empty Lend-A-Penny Jar from the cash register. This makes it possible for one to collect several dollars in a few hours by visiting several gas stations in succession, and taking the money from the Lend-A-Penny Jars. However, stealing from the Lend-A-Penny Jar is generally regarded as a low thing to do, and should be done only in dire circumstances.