What's New at Oldsmar Library: Food for Fines

Library Fines Bringing You Down?

Image by Southwest Public Libraries via Pinterest

Sick of Spoilers Ruining Your Favorite Shows, Because You’re Blocked from Checking Out the Next Season??

GIF by Summer in Westeros via Tumblr

We understand.

That’s why we created Food for Fines almost 9 years ago. Since then, we’ve been able to waive over $7,500 worth of fines and donated just as many non-perishables to Oldsmar Cares—a volunteer led organization that has helped hundred of Oldsmar residents through life’s sometimes bleak realities. Forrest Williams, one of the volunteers at Oldsmar Cares and an active member of the Friends of the Library, explains that:

“There’s a lot of need in Oldsmar. But it’s hidden. Most people who walk through the doors are just down on their luck. Family emergency. Car wreck. A new move, and they can’t afford the deposit . . . They just need a bit of help. The most rewarding thing is when you see someone down the line who once needed assistance and is now working as a manager of a local business.”

Photo Credit: Oldsmar Cares

The organization is primarily for Oldsmar residents, providing the following services:

Food Pantry

Clothes Closet

Rent and Utility Assistance

Weekend Food 4 Kids

Children’s Dental Care

PatchWork Grants

Education Grants

OldsmarWorks Career Counseling

All right, so we know what you’re thinking—this is CRAZY!

I can get out of debt and help the people of my community!!

All in time for the holidays!!!

Photo by FlatIron Books via Barnes and Noble

So, here’s the low-down:

Bring in your canned or boxed non-perishable food items. You know, that extra can of chowder you snagged during the Publix Bogo? Just make sure the expiration’s good, and it hasn’t sat in the back of your pantry for too long to be growing anything that looks like it came from the Upside-Down . . .

Photo by Netflix via The Wrap

High Demand Food Items for Oldsmar Cares Include:

Spaghetti Sauce
Hearty Soup
Chili
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Pasta
Baked Beans
Canned Fish
Dry Beans
Canned Meat

For every can or box you bring—we’ll waive $1 off your fines!!! Only fines though. I’m afraid that incident with the new puppy will remain in infamy on your account.

Photo by Marcy Elementary School via Whitesboro Central School District

And also, to save yourself and your friendly librarians a massive headache, please don’t bring in individual bags of Ramen from the pack to try and count towards your total . . . ☹

Photo Credit: Loiter

So, what are you waiting for?! Come in from now till December 22 and take advantage of the season of giving and receiving! We’ve already received tons of donations.
What will you bring to feed your community?

Psst! By the way . . .

Even if you’ve been a good girl or boy this year and managed to stay fine-free, you can still bring in food or clothing donations to our Oldsmar Cares box that always sits near the front doors of the library!
And oh, while you’re at it—why don’t you go ahead and have yourself a good one of these as well...