Elkhart Public Library accepts donations for late fees

ELKHART, Ind. -- 

Turning fines into food. That's what Elkhart Public Library is doing this week. 

Starting Monday, all branch locations will accept non-perishable food or toiletry donations in exchange for a reduction of late fees.

"I'm very excited that we're doing this," said Elkhart Public Library Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Yoder. "It's always nice to find a fun way to help our patrons and help our community at the same time."

All the donations will go to the Church Community Services food pantry in Elkhart. 

The library will take $0.50 off the late fee for every food item donated, and $1 for every toiletry item. 

Yoder says so far people have been enthusiastic about the donation drive.

"I've had people call asking what their fines are and seeing kind of how much they would need to bring in to get it down," she said. "I think it's a good way to help the community too, I think people are excited to give back."

Only non-perishable items are accepted. Items will not be accepted if they are expired, opened, or damaged. 

The following items are needed by Church Community Services: 

• Low sodium, hearty soups and stews
• Low sodium canned vegetables
• Low sugar canned fruit
• Whole grain pasta and rice
• Whole grain cereal
• Peanut butter
• Personal care items: soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
• Baby items: diapers, baby food

Donations can be dropped off at any of the Elkhart Public Library branch locations during regular hours between Monday and Saturday.