Coins In The Fountain

The Daily News profiles the guy whose job it is to fish coins out of city fountains:

Here’s what happens to all those coins that get tossed into city fountains by wish-makers: If the homeless don’t get to them first, they go into city coffers – courtesy of Joe McBain.
McBain, 53, is an unsung hero of New York whose job is making sure city park fountains in Manhattan are kept clean of debris.

In addition to coins, he’s found everything from MetroCards to cell phones to watches during his watery rounds.

“It’s New York City,” McBain said with a wide smile. “Anything goes.”

The homeless, he said, usually snatch up quarters, dimes and nickels under the cover of darkness, when the fountains are off for the night.

By day, McBain fishes out all the pennies – as well as leaves, discarded food and other trash.

No word on how much money is generated this way but if Mr. McBain sees it, he’ll fish it out:

Sometimes, when wish-makers see McBain pulling their coins out, they fear their dreams won’t come true.

He’s quick to assuage their worries.

“I tell them it’s like a prayer,” McBain said. “Once the money hits the water, their wish is answered.”

Once the money hits the water, the wish is answered . . . sure, sure . . .