Indian Trails Library’s Food for Fines offers chance to pay overdue fines with donations of canned goods

Through Thursday, Jan. 31, the Indian Trails Library District will accept canned goods in lieu of fines for overdue materials.

Food items may be brought to the main branch at 355 Schoenbeck Road or to the Prospect Heights Branch, 99 E. Palatine Road. Each donated canned food item will be good for $1 off in late fees. All collected goods will be donated to the Wheeling Food Pantry, 101 N. Wolf Road, Wheeling.

The Wheeling Food Pantry is a nonperishable food pantry so donated items should be packaged or in cans that are able to be stored for long periods of time. Only non-expired (“good till” or “best to” dated after Feb. 1, 2013) items are acceptable. Items without dates cannot be accepted. No glass containers, dented cans, cans without labels, or open packages will be accepted. Donations of items may not be applied to fees for missing, lost or damaged library materials. Multiple packaged items, such as a six-pack of soda, will be considered as a single donation.

“This is a wonderful chance for our members to eliminate their late fines while giving back to their community by helping the Wheeling Food Pantry,” said David J. Seleb, the library’s director.

The Wheeling Food Pantry is a charitable entity set up by the Rotary Club of Wheeling’s Grant Fund, and is partially stocked by donations from individuals, families, businesses and community organizations. It serves Wheeling residents and Wheeling High School and Middle School District 21 students and their families who need food due to financial difficulties.

“During the holiday season the food pantry receives many donations, which is so important because many families need extra help during the holiday season. We are very grateful that the Indian Trails library decided to hold their Food for Fines during January so we can replenish our stock,” said Jim Bradley, community service coordinator of the Rotary Club of Wheeling.

For information about Food for Fines, call (847) 459-4100.

For information about the Wheeling Food Pantry, stop by or drop a note to the pantry. The Wheeling Food Pantry is open from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1-4 p.m. on Friday.

The Indian Trails Library District serves 67,000 residents in Wheeling, Buffalo Grove and Prospect Heights by providing programs, services and resources that enrich and engage the community.