WE ARE THE DIFFERENCE - HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY TAKES "FOOD FOR FINES" EFFORT BIGGER

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For nearly 15 years, the Hoover Public Library (HPL) has helped address the issue of food insecurity within the City of Hoover through its Food for Fines program. This year, HPL is sounding the alarm claiming, "WE ARE the Difference", as they push to make their contribution bigger and better! The program runs September 1-30. The 2022 goal: to collect 10- thousand canned, dry and non-perishable food items that will be donated to area food banks including Green Valley Baptist Church and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
 
“I think it's important for us to understand that we have the ability to make a difference," says program coordinator, Lawana Rooks. "We are the difference between a child having a meal or going to school hungry! We are the difference between a parent choosing to buy food or purchase gas! Oftentimes, we feel as if our donations are too small to make a difference. However, when we realize that we are the difference, our approach towards helping others will change."
 
Starting in 2008 as a part of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative's effort, HPL's Food for Fines initiative allows patrons to donate non-perishable food items during the month of September. For every item donated, HPL waives one dollar in that patron's fines for up to ten dollars. In the past, the effort has netted roughly 40-thousand items.
But since the Covid19 pandemic, donations have decreased, while the need has increased.
 
"The price of food has gone up, gas prices are on the rise and we want to let the community know that we care," Rooks says. "Food insecurity is a real issue in almost every city in the state of Alabama, including the City of Hoover. According to statistics, three-percent of the Hoover population is living below the poverty line. 10,000 items will change the dynamics of this need."
 
Also, for the first time, the Hoover City Schools are partnering with HPL to increase donations. Seven buildings will collect items. Patrons can also donate at book drops across the City and at Jason's Deli on Highway 150. Rooks truly believes the goal can be obtained.
 
"Why 10,000 items, Rooks asks rhetorically. "We want to take Food for Fines to the next level. Families need to eat every day of the year, not just in the month of September. It is important for us to aim high and think big."

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HOOVER BEAUTIFICATION BOARD ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS

The Hoover Beautification Board is looking for new members! The mission of the Hoover Beautification Board is to inspire and empower Hoover citizens to take greater responsibility for their environment. A primary function of the Board is planning and executing programs that educate, encourage and support local citizens and businesses in the continued beautification of our city. The Board’s twenty volunteer members are each appointed by the Mayor.
If you are interested or know someone who might be, please click on the link and fill out the online application. The deadline is September 6th.

https://hooveralabama.gov/FormCenter/Beautification-Board-3/Beautification-Board-Application-59?fbclid=IwAR1sYxs7OKuKSaKLOYnnE-3HYEYGrMudBW72iyDP-dTuraJa1gy4PRkswFw

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