June 03, 2008

Holy Cross Libraries Run “Food for Fines” Campaign: Students Donate Food Instead of Paying Late Fees

WORCESTER, Mass. – Over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food will be donated this year from the College of the Holy Cross to the St. Paul’s Parish Outreach Center at 19 Chatham St. in Worcester.

Now in its 10th year, the libraries at Holy Cross run the annual “Food for Fines” drive that donates food for the hungry to the center. For every food item or personal care item donated, the libraries waive $1 of library fines owed.

“The annual ‘Food for Fines’ program is really a win-win situation,” says Patricia Porcaro, head of reader services at the Dinand Library. “Students like to see their fine money going to a very worthy cause like the St. Paul’s Outreach Center and St. Paul’s is very appreciative of the donation.”

Cans of soup and vegetables, pasta, macaroni and cheese, as well as soap and other personal care items were collected as the academic year ended.

The food items were collected at Dinand Library. The fines were waived for any of the other two libraries at Holy Cross — O’Callahan Science Library and Fenwick Music Library.

All food donations are accepted, even if fines are not owed. Since the drive started in 1999, the College has donated more than six tons of food to St. Paul’s.

For additional information contact Cristal Perriello at 508.793.2419