Patrons of the Rangeview Library District contributed 5,000 pounds of food items during December's "Food for Fines" drive. The non-perishable food items were collected at the branches in lieu of library fines. Each item forgave $1 in fines.

All of the food was donated to the Adams County Food Distribution Center. Food Distribution Coordinator Lily Rhoades says the center provides donations to about 200 households each day four days a week. The food distributed daily is provided by company donations and the USDA.

Canned goods and other non-perishables from drives like "Food for Fines" are used to fill emergency boxes for those in dire need. Rhoades says the center gave out about 100 emergency boxes over the Holidays. The food collected during the library 2006 drive will used throughout 2007.

Rhoades says Adams County falls about mid-way statewide in the number of people needing to utilize the food distribution. She says the operation can always use more donations and more volunteers.

Ann Myers is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Rangeview Library District.