Church in India Opens Collection Box to Those in Need

One church in the state of Kerala in India opened a collection box to those in need of money. 

After India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi banned 500 and 1,000 rupee notes last week, banks and ATMs have been overwhelmed with many people waiting in line to get their old defunct cash exchanged in order to withdraw new currencies. 

About 90 percent of transactions in India took place with cash, but now 86 percent of the cash in India cannot be used. 

The St. Martin De Porres Church in the village of Thevakkal opened up a donation box to help those struggling. 

The vicar of the church, Jimmy Poochakkad, made the announcement on Sunday during mass and said that the two donation boxes will remain open throughout the day and the public can take any amount that they want. 

"People are facing a lot of difficulties due to demonetization. Many in the parish are even struggling to buy daily necessities. A lot of them don't know how to get the cash from ATMs and banks. That is why we decided to open the donation boxes. We have lower denomination in our cash box. People in need can take money from there and return whenever they want," Fr. Jimmy said.

The Prime Minister's goal is to flush out the tax-free cash known as "black money" that some people in India have hidden away in order to avoid income tax, which is preventing many from reaching their money. 

The pastor added that at least 200 families have come to get money they needed.