Use cans of food to pay library fines

Use a can of food to pay for your overdue books at your library and you'll be feeding many a hungry stomach this holiday season.

All library branches of the Yuma County Library District will accept cans of food during the 18th annual Food for Fines program.

The program kicks off on Monday and continues to Dec. 22

"It's just mutually beneficial and a great way for people to pay their fines while doing something for the community," said Sarah Wisdom, spokeswoman for the Yuma County Library District. "It's a great way to uplift the holiday spirit."

The library will present the cans to the Yuma Community Food Bank.

For every eight-ounce can of food donated, the library will deduct $1 in overdue fees. Glass jars and dented or expired cans will not be accepted.

Only labeled cans that are eight ounces or larger are acceptable and they will only cover late fines, not damaged or lost items. Participants need to show their library cards so their accounts can be cleared correctly.

Dianne Borgard, development manager for the food bank, said the donations will make a difference for needy families since the holidays are coming around.

"Anything will be very appreciated," Borgard said. "This is a great partnership with the librarians and it's helping to give back to the community."

Wisdom said that last year, more than 1,200 cans of food were collected and shipped to the food bank.