Cranbourne Library has partnered with several local charities to support the community to 'pay it forward' by helping those in the area who are doing it tough this Christmas.
The Casey Cardinia Libraries branch will, until 24 December, be welcoming monetary, gift and food donations to help vulnerable and less fortunate residents enjoy this time of year.
Mayfield Ward Councillor Amanda Stapledon said that this initiative represents a chance for locals to show their Christmas spirit, and that she was sure that those in the community who can afford to would enjoy donating something to the cause.
"The charities are accepting non-perishable food with intact packaging and best before dates in 2020-what a wonderful way to help those in need," she said.
Mayfield Ward Councillor Gary Rowe said that as well as food, a good option could be donating new, unwrapped gifts to lessen the yuletide load for those struggling with making Christmas special for their loved ones.
"The great thing is that those who return lost or damaged library books while delivering their donations to the needy will have their fines waived," he said,
"Also, an added bonus is that Cranbourne Library did away with penalties for overdue books earlier in the year."
Another special feature of the library's Christmas charity campaign this year is that gift-wrapped, "pre-loved" books will be available in exchange for donations.
Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Chris Buckingham acknowledged that there are people "doing it tough in our community" and that Christmas is often a time when things can get harder.
"Casey Cardinia Libraries is always keen to pay it forward and support our charity partners to make things better for the vulnerable", he said.
"This year, we think that our surplus books will make great, recycled gifts for friends or family. The recycled books, as well as the removal of fines for lost and damaged books, are our way of saying 'thank you' to our community who supports those in need so generously."
