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Health & Fitness

Naperville Public Library's Drive Donates Enough Food for Nearly 6,000 Meals

Wow, Library users donate more than 3.5 tons of food to Loaves & Fishes!

In a short 12 days,  users donated enough food to to provide nearly 6,000 meals for Naperville and DuPage County residents!  The Library’s Food for Fines drive was a huge success, with more than three tons of food donated to the Naperville-based charity.

“The Library is extremely proud to have worked on this project with an agency as vital to the community as Loaves & Fishes.  Like them, we rely heavily on the support of Naperville’s residents, and being able to give back to those residents – and allow them to give back to each other – has been a truly incredible experience for all of us at the Library,” says John Spears, Executive Director of the Naperville Public Library.

The drive took place right before Christmas with the Naperville Public Library waiving $1 of fines for every item of non-perishable food that was brought to the Library.  In addition, many Library users bought in free will donations to help reach the amazing total of over three tons of non-perishable items.

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“It is heartwarming to see the community come together in the season of giving to provide food for those in need. Loaves & Fishes was especially pleased to collaborate with a public institution of the caliber of Naperville Public Library to raise awareness as well as much-needed food,” notes Charles McLimans, Executive Director/CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry.

Key to the effort was the Library’s Circulation staff who accepted and boxed up the donations for shipment to the food pantry. “Library staff was energized and encouraged by the enthusiasm and generosity of our customers in support of this program. What a sense of giving, on the part of the Library in waiving fines, and especially on the part of our neighbors in donating over 3 tons of food!,” exclaims Christine Murray, 95th Street Library Circulation Supervisor.

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Loaves & Fishes always accepts donations of food and other items. For more information visit their website, www.loaves-fishes.org, for a list of the items most in demand.

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