Saugus Library food for fines program under way

SAUGUS – Overdue books may be a bane to people who frequent the Saugus Library. But for the next two months, anyone who owes late fees will have a chance to help people in need with the annual “food for fines” program.Anyone with outstanding fines will be able to pay it off simply by donating non-perishable food.?If someone had $5 in fines and they wanted to reduce that they could bring in five items,” said Library Director Diane Wallace. “Typically it?s cans of vegetables or soup. There were times that the box was overflowing, and we would call them and they?d pick it all up.”Wallace said she?s seen firsthand people?s generosity when the program is running.?A lot of times people don?t even have fines,” said Wallace. “They?re just contributing. Sometimes they pay their fines and they contribute. We sort of serve as a drop off place so people swing by. A lot of our patrons are very generous.”Wallace said she tries to get the word out on social media like Facebook as well as letting patrons know directly.?We have fliers and we also put it on the bottom of people?s receipts so when they check out books, it says that the food for fines is in effect,” said Wallace. “It?s a tough time of year for people. We post the information near the containers for people who need to take advantage of the food pantries if people aren?t comfortable about asking.”Food for fines will run through Dec. 31 and all donations are sent to Saugus? two food pantries: one at the Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. and the other at the Grace Ministries North Shore at 101 Main St.The Cliftondale food panty is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and can be reached at 781-233-2663. The Grace Ministries North Shore food pantry is open on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and can be reached at 781-231-0228.Requested food donations include: Cereal, pasta, rice, tuna, dry milk, pancake mix, baked beans, baking mix, peanut butter and jelly, canned fruit or juice, canned vegetables, canned or dry soups, macaroni and cheese dinners, instant potatoes, canned tomatoes or sauce and canned meat.Rich DelRossi runs the Grace Ministries Food Bank, which he said feeds as many as 60 families, or up or 160 people when open and sends them away with at least five or six meals per person.DelRossi said he usually makes three or four pickups from the library, each one with up to 10 bags of groceries each.?That program has been awesome,” said DelRossi. “Everybody I?ve talked to about it has said what a great idea that is. Instead of paying a fine bring in a jar of peanut butter or something. What a great idea. We?ve been really blessed ? This time of year people become more generous, but the need is consistent year round.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].