Over 14 days, Naperville Public Library users donated nearly ten tons of food to the Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry. From July 9 to 22, the library conducted a Food for Fines campaign.
“It’s amazing how generous people were,” said Christine Murray, 95th Street Library Circulation Supervisor and campaign coordinator. “From noodles to shampoo, we collected a third more items this time than we did in December! I think part of our success was the number of free-will donations – people who just wanted to help our community.”
This is the library’s second drive within the past 12 months. An earlier campaign was conducted right before Christmas. The decision to do a second campaign was driven, in part, by this year’s Summer Reading Program with its theme of Reading is So Delicious. “As soon as we heard about the theme, we immediately thought of Loaves & Fishes,” said Murray.
Library Executive Director John Spears is also very pleased with the drive’s success. “The Library is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that’s served us so well.
Loaves & Fishes always accepts donations of food and related items. Visit www.loaves-fishes.org for a list of items most in demand.
