Library's Christmas Food Drive Sparked Giving

The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library downtown didn't collect much money in fines for overdue books last month, but they sure did collect a lot of food for the food bank at Clayton Area Ministries.

And they helped get some residents into the Christmas spirit.

"Some people, when they found out we wanted them to pay library fines with food instead of money leading up to Christmas, brought food in even though they didn't owe any fines," said a grateful Library Director Betty Coats. "Some people paid their fines and brought in food, too. They were so pleased that we were doing this."

The Library asked for one can or box of food for each dollar owed, but took in much more than that.

"It worked out really good, and we're happy that we were able to help," Miss Betty said. "I'm sure we'll do it again."