During this season of giving and holiday spirit, consider joining the Bradner Library in its fight against hunger by participating in the annual “Food for Fines” drive taking place now until Jan. 31. All collected donations should go to the circulation desk and will be given to the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry, located in the Lower Waterman of the VisTaTech Center.
The Food Pantry aims to provide struggling Ocelots with four bags of groceries per month at no cost to them. In exchange for their donations, the library will forgive students for the fines owed toward overdue books. Lost or damaged items are excluded from this exchange.
“The goal of this drive is to collect as many non-perishable goods as possible to benefit our Food Pantry while also providing forgiveness to students who have overdue fees for their contribution to our community,” states librarian, Wayne Pricer.
The “Food for Fines” drive began in 2006, shortly after the Bradner library was remodeled the year prior and has assisted in restocking the Food Pantry ever since. Every year, students are asked to bring in non-perishable and canned goods to contribute to the cause. In return, participating Ocelots are forgiven for $1 worth of fines for each item donated. However, students should be advised that their contribution will only apply to overdue fees. Lost or damaged items are not included in this exchange.
“Donations can be dropped off at the circulation desk,” Pricer explained. “Staff will be present to receive donations and to adjust students’ balances for owed fines. We also ask that participants check that their products are not expired or damaged before giving.”
In addition to accepting these goods, the Bradner Library is also willing to accept toiletries and other necessities that the Food Pantry attempts to provide.
This season, Ocelots, take a glance into the cupboards and consider joining our community in easing hunger in Schoolcraft’s own backyard.
For more information about the food drive, please contact Wayne Pricer at [email protected].

Photo courtesy of waitingroombar.com