The Kresge Library has been joined this semester by the Educational Resources Lab in Pawley Hall to offer students and other patrons an opportunity to do some good while reducing the fines they owe for overdue books and resource materials.
“For each non-perishable food item brought to the Kresge circulation desk or the Educational Resources Lab desk between April 12 and April 26, we will forgive $1 in overdue fines,” said Tracy Macpherson, manager of circulation services and resource sharing at the Kresge Library. “Last year we collected 166 pounds of food. Last semester we collected 256 pounds of food. And, our goal this semester is to set another record.”
Macpherson added, “We would also appreciate students, faculty and staff who owe no fines to participate and drop off donations to help us reach our goal.”
The canned and boxed foods collected during the “Food for Fines” campaign will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.
Headquartered in Detroit, Gleaners operates five distribution centers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties and provides food to 535 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other agencies throughout southeastern Michigan.
Suggested items to donate include: canned fruit (no heavy syrup), canned vegetables, tuna fish, peanut butter in plastic jars, healthy cereal/oatmeal, soups and stews, canned spaghetti or pasta, beans (black, kidney, pinto or refried), canned meats, rice, pancake or baking mixes or baby food.
Food items will not be accepted for lost items or book replacement.