Donate food to wipe out library fines

Monday, 3 December 2018

Moonee Valley residents can wipe out their library fines as part of a new initiative to help people in need.

The Food for Fines initiative will see community members donate non-perishable food items and other necessities at their local library, and in return any overdue fines will be cleared.

The goods will be donated to Helping Hands Mission Inc. which works with agencies across Victoria, including Moonee Valley, to distribute aid to families and individuals who desperately need assistance.

Moonee Valley Mayor and spokesperson for Lifelong Learning Cr Narelle Sharpe said people are being urged to donate items that people need to get by each day.

“Things such as domestic violence, unexpected changes in employment and severe or sudden illness can have a huge impact on individuals and families,” Cr Sharpe said.

“We’re asking for people to donate necessities such as non-perishable foods and toiletries, so people in need can have one less thing to worry about during an already stressful time.

“By waiving any overdue library fines as a gesture of thanks, we are also hoping it might encourage library members with long term overdue finds to reconnect with their local library.

“Of course, you don’t need to have overdue to fines to make a donation,” Cr Sharpe said.

Much needed items include canned food, rice, pasta, noodles, cereals, sauces, spreads, coffee, tea, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, nappies, feminine hygiene products, and dog and cat food.

The Food for Fines program will run until Sunday, 6 January 2019. Helping Hands collection bins can be found in all five Moonee Valley libraries.

Contact for journalists:
Kate Murphy, Media Advisor
Phone: 03 9243 1645; Mobile 0419 507 339; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au