More than 1,400 people joined in New Castle County’s debut “Food for Fines” project, making the library amnesty and food drive week “a tremendous success,” County Executive Thomas P. Gordon said.
County staff set up the pre-Christmas project after Youth Services Librarian Elisabeth Simmons of the Kirkwood Library read about a similar effort in Maryland, he said
“This project showed real commitment and caring in the holiday spirit,” Gordon said. “We can be proud that media as far away as California and as prominent as The Baltimore Sun covered our ‘Food for Fines’ project.”
The county forgave up to $25 of anyone’s fines or fees, while collecting food donations at all its library branches, said Sophia Hanson, general manager of the county Department of Community Services.
“We waived exactly $7,693.55,” Hanson said. She thanked County Councilman George Smiley, county executive staff and county departments of law and community services for their involvement and support.
Donated food was distributed in partnership with AFSCME Local Union 459’s longtime Needy Family Fund holiday meal program.
