Community Corner

Librarian Challenges Local Businesses to Hold Food Drives

Elizabeth Stokes, who started the library's "Food for Fines" program that donates food to needy families and veterans groups, wants local businesses to help pitch in too.

For seven years, the has held "Food for Fines," a month-long food donation program that lets patrons donate nonperishable food instead of paying their library fines. The Library's head of circulation and founder of the fundraiser Elizabeth Stokes is challenging local businesses to get on board.

"I don't believe we have corporate greed in this town. This town has a big heart," she said. "No one should be hungry in this town."

Stokes started the "Food for Fines" program, which donates food to needy families and veterans organizations, in 2004. The concept is simple: for every item of food or toiletries donated to the library in November, the library waives $1 off of that patron's library fines, up to $20.

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In the first year alone, the event raised more that $1,000 worth of food, Stokes said; by years two and three, the yearly total was up to $5,000.

Stokes said every year the amount of donations far outweighs the number of fines waived by the library. However, in recent years, the library has seen a drop-off in donations, a trend Director Lisa Jacobs said she thinks is caused by the poor economy. Jacobs and Stokes both said that in tough economic times, it's even more essential to give to those in need.

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"It's more important that those who can donate, do," Jacobs said. "It helps the community in a big way."

That obligation to give back to the community extends to businesses as well, Stokes said. Why can't Cablevision or any local business hold similar fundraisers that waive fees on customer's bills in exchange for food donations?, she asked.

"Common, jump in on this," she said, urging that the more competition in town between food drives, the better it will be for those in need.

"It wouldn't bother me to have 100 people challenge people for one month," Stokes said. "It serves the same purpose."

The "Food for Fines" drive starts Nov. 1 at the Riverhead Free Library and runs until the end of the month. Bring non-perishable, non-expired food or toiletries to the library to participate. For more information about the fundraiser or to find out how you can get volunteer, contact Elizabeth Stokes at 727-3228 ext. 123 or send her an email.


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