Friday, December 4, 2009

Help Others and Help Yourself With Our Food-for-Fines Drive

Guess what! Thanks to last year's resounding success, we're holding our second Food-for-Fines drive Sunday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 12. Food collected will be donated to a Tigard food pantry to be distributed to local families in need.

The Library initiated the Food for Fines program last year to assist patrons and others hit hard by the recession. Library users donated 2,493 pounds of food while the Library waived nearly $1,000 in fines.

Here's what you need to know if you want to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity: Every two non-perishable food items donated will equal $1 in fines. A maximum of $10 per account may be waived with food donations, but patrons may contribute as many food items as they wish. The library will also accept cash donations to the food pantry (but these won't count against your library fines). Donated food will be used only toward payment of fines—not for damaged or lost items, or accounts that have been sent to collections.

Acceptable donations include:

  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon etc.)
  • Canned and box meals (chili, soup, macaroni and cheese etc.)
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta, rice, cereal
  • Canned fruits
  • 100% fruit juice

It's important to remember that the Library will not accept unlabeled or rusty cans, homemade, perishable or open items.

If you've got any questions don't hesitate to call us at 503-684-6537 or log onto our main website at www.tigard-or.gov/library

No comments: