Naperville Public Library’s Drive Donates Enough Food for Nearly 6,000 Meals

Talk about a summer success! In 14 short days Naperville Public Library users donated 9,948 pounds 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,” explains 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,” explains Chris.  

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 other items. For more information visit their website, www.loaves-fishes.org, for a list of the items most in demand.