Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Pam Haynes [Click to enlarge]

If you think of overdue book fees that must be paid before the end of the semester as a bad thing, think again.

Lanita Williams, circulation supervisor in Smith Library, wants to give students a break and turn library fines into something good - non-perishable food items for those in need.

Until the end of the semester, she will accept non-perishable items in place of fines with each item eliminating $1 in fines.

"It helps students and the community," said Williams. "We don't want to penalize students, and even a $10 fine can be hard to pay."

Williams first organized the Food for Fines program in 2007 after learning about a similar program at Guildford Technical Community College. She said she loved the idea not only because it gives students a financial break, but also because it allows them contribute to the community.

"I thought students would enjoy this because they're helping others," she said.

Williams only accepted canned food items at first. This year, she's accepting any non-perishable items from Ramen noodles to peanut butter.

"Someone brought in a bag of condiments such as soy sauce and fortune cookies. At first I thought, 'I'm not gonna take that.' Then I thought, 'Well, someone might want that soy sauce.'"

And she says that's making the deal all the better for students.

"Ramen Noodles are what, 15 cents a piece? Any non-perishable items will do."

When all of the items are collected and the program ends in May, she'll take the food to various locations in High Point including the Salvation Army and local churches that collect food for the homeless.

So far, Williams says she has collected about 100 cans for the event. By the end of the semester, she expects to have triple that amount.

"At this rate, we could possibly get more than last year. I wouldn't be surprised if we went over 300," she said.

Even if students don't bring in the exact amount of cans, Williams says she'll help you out.

"If students make an effort to bring some cans, I'm going to take care of it (the fine)," she said. "I just appreciate the effort."

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