For Immediate Release:
April 29, 2013
It’s not too late to donate
County-wide food drive is open until April 30
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that they still have time to donate to the county-wide food drive benefiting the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
“Our generous residents have already donated more than 4 tons of food, but we can’t stop now,” said Freeholder John P. Curley. “We still have time to make this our most successful food drive yet!”
The main collection points are 11 of the county library branches, including the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury and the Library Headquarters in Manalapan. As an incentive, the libraries are offering to erase fines for overdue materials in exchange for donations of food.
“If you’re visiting Thompson Park or the Manasquan Reservoir this weekend, make sure to bring your food donation,” said Lillian G. Burry. “Enjoy a day outside at one of our incredible parks while contributing to a worthwhile cause.”
Collection bins are available at the Belford Ferry Terminal, Thompson Park Visitor Center in Lincroft, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center in Howell, the county Hall of Records in Freehold Borough and the Agriculture and Human Services buildings in Freehold Township.
Non-perishable, protein-rich foods such as peanut butter, granola bars and tuna fish are examples of items suitable for donation.
“Residents who have outstanding library fine should take this opportunity to eliminate those fines by participating in this worthwhile cause to help the hungry in our communities,” said Curley.
The branches of the Monmouth County Library System participating in the month-long “Food for Fines” program are: Headquarters in Manalapan, Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury, Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Howell, Marlboro, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Wall and West Long Branch.
The drive works this way: patrons who have outstanding materials will bring their food to the library counter. The libraries will reduce the fines by $1 for every food item donated. Separate bins have been placed in the libraries for people who do not have fines but want to donate food anyway.
Curley reminds residents that they don’t have to owe a library fine to participate in the food drive.
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