Turn your library fines into food this Christmas

Published: 26 Nov 2018 10:21am

Want to be in Santa’s good books this Christmas?

Returning for 2018, Food for Fines is Wagga Wagga City Library’s way of gifting its members the chance to erase any fines they may have accumulated for overdue library items throughout the year.

All members need to do is donate non-perishable food items, and their fines will disappear just like Santa Claus back up the chimney.

The Christmas campaign, now in its 19th year, will help stock up the Salvation Army’s pantry during the busy holiday season.

“Even if you don’t have any library fines, you can still come in and make a donation to this important cause,” Wagga Wagga City Library Manager Claire Campbell said.

“Your contribution will support the Salvation Army’s hard work and ensure everyone in our community can have a merry Christmas.

“Tinned meals, pasta, beans, cereals and recipe bases are really helpful items. Just make sure your donation is non-perishable so it can be distributed when it is needed most, which is often just after Christmas when the Salvation Army’s stocks are low.”

The program is also Wagga Wagga City Council’s way of giving back to the community during the festive season by forfeiting the money from overdue fees.

The community can make donations as part of the Food for Fines campaign from Monday 26 November until close of business on 22 December.

With school holidays around the corner, keep up-to-date with all that’s happening at the Wagga Wagga City Library Facebook page or at www.waggalibrary.com.au.

Food for Fines

From 26 November until 22 December, donate non-perishable food items that are within their use-by date and your overdue fees will be waived.

Food items must be:

  • Non-perishable
  • Within the use-by date

Some ideas to get you started:

  • Biscuits and crackers
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Canned meats such as salmon, tuna or chicken
  • Gravy mix, salt, pepper, stock, flour, and spices
  • Juices and juice poppers
  • Lunchbox items such as muesli bars or snack packs
  • Pasta, pasta sauce
  • Rice and noodles
  • Salad dressings, mayonnaise
  • Tea, coffee, milo, sugar
  • Tinned goods such as fruit, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, beetroot
  • UHT milk, powdered milk
  • Spreads - Vegemite, peanut butter, jam