Jean Dube has been collecting pennies for the last 30 years.

At first it started with a little tin can, which she tossed the coins in. By the end, it was a massive antique metal milk container that weighed easily over 200 pounds.

Dube lives on Barters Island, next door to her friend Betty Osborn. During the past couple of months, she has been traveling to Bath's Coastal Cancer Treatment Center to have radiation therapy.

“The doctor thought the sample he took from my face was benign,” Dube said. “He sent it out to be tested, and turns out it wasn't.”

Dube learned she needed radiation therapy, which required traveling to Bath five times a week for at least seven weeks. That's when her friends and neighbors stepped in to help.

“My neighbor Betty organized the whole thing,” Dube said. “These wonderful ladies all pitched in and took turns driving me there and back for every single appointment.”

Fouteen in all helped get Dube to her appointments, including Alice Shambra, Arlene Smith, Pat Schubert, Barb Carpentine, Betty Osborn, Louise Cowan, Judy Broncato, Betty Torrence, Brenda Wood, Judy Burgess, Jan Pisano, Marty Reed, Irena Trall and Joan Rittall.

“The rides were lovely,” Dube said. “The nicest part was getting to chat with the girls, and it took the sting out it. The reason I had to go. They wouldn't take gas money, and I wanted to do something to give back. That's when I thought of the pennies.”

To thank the ladies, Dube has donated her massive container of pennies to the Barters Island Community Association in their honor.

“It took two strong men to carry the container to the car,” Evelyn Trahan of the BICA said. “It was a lovely gesture from a wonderful woman in honor of many (other) generous people.”

Though the pennies have not been counted yet, Dube is fascinated to find out just how many were there.

“It's a good way to help the association and it's more fun,” Dube said.

“The whole process at the treatment center takes between five and 10 minutes, and it was such an eye-opening experience,” Dube said. “There are so many people that have to make this trip, and the people there are lovely, but being with someone — not having to face it alone — makes a big difference.

“I'm so thankful to these ladies that it's hard to put into words. They've done so much for me and I'm truly grateful.”