Dean:
With your search for pennies I recently went to the bank to see if they had anything interesting and once again a lady was unloading her pennies... she was already with the teller so I didn't want to interrupt that transaction, but when I told the lady at the business wicket that I wished I could get a hold of some more pennies... she said she is overwhelmed with pennies and would be happy to give me a few boxes...
So keep trying I think you may be pleasantly surprised if you ask.