The Central Arkansas Library System is hosting its annual Food for Fines drive to provide for needy families across the state.
The event, which started several years ago in conjunction with state food banks, will begin Monday, Dec. 16 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 22. All CALS branches will participate, including the recently built Hilary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center in downtown Little Rock.
The program gives library patrons the opportunity to erase acquired fines by donating non-perishable items. Each item represents $1 and each person can donate up to ten articles to eliminate up to $10 worth of fines. Donations can not be used toward library items that have been lost or previously billed.
All donated goods are appreciated, but according to CALS spokeswoman Lee Ann Blackwell, some food is needed more than others.
"We always highlight the Food For Kids program ... it provides backpacks with kid-friendly food," Blackwell said. "Items we usually like to recommend that people bring are peanut butter, ravioli, tuna, canned fruit, pudding cups, cereal or granola bars."
All donations will benefit the Arkansas Rice Depot, which has served Arkansas families for more than 25 years.
More information can be found at CALS.org.
