Pay your library fine off with a donation of food to charity

A substantial rise in demand for food parcels is being matched by the generosity of patrons at our District libraries – and there’s still time to make a difference yourself by donating food through our Food for Fines promotion.

Until December 9, library patrons at our three District Libraries - Thames, Mercury Bay and Tairua - can clear any overdue fine by donating a non-perishable food item. These are being delivered to local food banks in Thames and Whitianga and each donated item will reduce your overdue fee by $4.

TCDC Library Co-ordinator Linda Hayfield says you don’t have to have a fine to participate – and many wonderfully generous people in the community have already worked that out.

“We had one generous customer coming who had no fines but had heard about Food for Fines in our libraries and came back with three bags of groceries. Even if you don’t have a fine and would like to participate, you know you are contributing to a very worthy cause,” Linda says.

“The response so far has been good but there’s still time and the support is really valued by those who need it and those working voluntarily for such a worthy cause.”

A rise in the cost of living is being blamed for an increased demand for food parcels.

Andre'a Hampton, Manager of the Thames Baptist Community Ministries, thanked everyone who had already donated items and said they were extremely appreciated by the low income families in need.

In August this year 67 people came to the Thames ICC Food Bank needing food parcels compared to 35 the same month last year.

In September this year there were 58 food parcels given out compared to 39 the previous September.

“We are fairly low but as in previous years, the town has been really good when we’ve put a call out to the community that we need food,” explains Andre’a.

“Thames and Tairua are great communities and we are really appreciative of any donations that can be made, because anything that a person can do to enhance people’s standard of living is so valuable and appreciated.

“No one really likes asking for food, but needs must, especially when there’s children involved. On behalf of the community we at the Thames ICC Foodbank thank you for your wonderful support."

Donations at the Whitianga Library go to Whitianga Social Services for distribution. Whitianga Social Services Manager Jenny Wolf says the donations are very gratefully received.

"We're thrilled that the libraries have chosen to support fines going back into the community in this kind way. Our winter season has depleted our food supplies so this is really fantastic timing."

Thames ICC Foodbank is organised by the Baptist Church but is an 'inter-church' initiative which gives 40 to 55 parcels every month to families, whanau and individuals and 70 families at Christmas with a special food hamper. They are completely reliant on voluntary donations and contributions with the average price of a food parcel being $60.

Those choosing to take part can donate to either or all charities and items can include:

Tinned or bagged pet food; Tinned food such as spaghetti, baked beans, corn, tomatoes, soup, stew, tuna, sardines, salmon, corned beefCleaning products: Tooth brushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, washing powder, soap.

Baby products: Nappies, milk formula, baby wipes.

Pantry items: cooking oil, marmite/vegemite, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, tea, milo, coffee, tomato sauce, mint sauce, vinegar, salt, cooking oil, glad wrap;

Dry products: Flour, milk powder, sugar, soup mix, pasta, noodles, rice, cracker biscuits.

Food Banks thank community

Left: Rebecca Hopkirk, Thames Food Bank Coordinator and Administrator, with Andre’a Hampton, Manager of the Thames Baptist Community Ministries as they receive more food donated through our library Food for Fines promotion.

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