ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Brian Hodgdon, director of the Saugus Library, sorts through some of the food donations left at the library in lieu of paying late book fines. The donations will be turned over to local food pantries.
By MICHELE DURGIN
SAUGUS — Saugus Public Library Director Brian Hodgdon said its annual Food For Fines program, now in its 11th year, is in full swing and enjoying success once again.
The event, which began in November and ends on Dec. 31, asks library patrons, who are late in returning borrowed books, to donate nonperishable food items rather than pay a fine for their tardiness.
“So far we have collected over 350 items to pass on to the folks at the Cliftondale Congregational Church on Essex Street,“ said Hodgdon. “It’s been a win-win for everyone involved and I am thrilled with the show of community involvement.”
Hodgdon said although he’s only been the library’s director for six months, he is quickly learning the caliber of clientele the library services and he is impressed.
“The collection is going well and I am very happy. We have people come in just about every day to put canned goods in the designated boxes, and many of them owe nothing in fines,” he said.
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Rev. Dr. Robert Leroe, the recently retired pastor of the church, said he has appreciated the annual food drive that has been a wonderful gift to the parish’s food bank for the past few years.
“We are so fortunate that we get help from big donors like the Greater Boston Food Bank and other organizations such as that. But, in recent years, we have had to come to rely on individuals and programs like this to address the growing number of people, often families, in need of a helping hand.”
Leroe, who led the congregation for 17 years, said it’s important for folks to remember that hunger in the community is a year-round issue.
“We appreciate the generosity of the wonderful people who participate in the library event, and if possible, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that donations are welcome and needed 365 days a year,” he said. “I would also like to announce that we are currently in search of a new director for the food pantry. It’s a volunteer position, and if anyone is interested please contact the church at (781) 233-2663.”
Standard food items that are always in need include: cereal, pasta, rice, tuna, dry milk, pancake mix, baked beans, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit or juice, canned vegetables, canned or dry soups, macaroni and cheese dinners, instant potatoes, canned tomatoes or sauce, and canned meat.