By Andrea Smalley, library circulation director
It’s not just the arrival of spring that has Vicksburg District Library staff looking forward to April. The entire month of April is “Food for Fines” month at the Library, where library visitors will have the opportunity to wipe out their fines and support two wonderful local organizations at the same time. The Vicksburg District Library is partnering with Generous Hands, Inc. and with South County Community Services (SCCS) to collect food and personal care items throughout the month of April. For each item brought into the library, staff will waive $5 in fines from the giver’s account. Items costing over $5 will remove $10 from the giver’s account.
Generous Hands is a local nonprofit begun in 2004 by a small group of 10 women who were deeply concerned about childhood hunger in the community. In 2015, Generous Hands provided 321 Friday Food Packs to children in Vicksburg alone. Generous Hands Wish List for April’s “Food for Fines” program includes 18-ounce peanut butter, granola bars, fruit cups, applesauce cups, ramen noodles, microwave popcorn and peanuts.
South County Community Services (SCCS) is a nonprofit human services agency that provides a wide variety of services, including emergency food and housing assistance, job search assistance, and support for seniors and adults with disabilities. The agency’s wish list for April’s “Food for Fines” program includes canned tomatoes, canned potatoes, boxed potatoes, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant.
The items listed above are just some of the top needs of the library’s “Food for Fines” partners. Non-perishable foods and personal care items of all kinds are welcomed and helpful. Those with questions can contact the library staff or the agencies directly. The Vicksburg District Library staff is thrilled to partner with such amazing organizations. Staff members are looking forward to the return of library visitors who have been kept away by fines and the opportunity to support the missions of Generous Hands and South County Community Services.