Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) has partnered with several local charities to help reach those in our community who may otherwise be left out this festive season.
From November 18th through to 24th December, each of the library branches will be welcoming monetary, gift and food donations to help vulnerable and less fortunate residents enjoy this time of year.
City of Casey Mayor Councillor Susan Serey said that all Casey Cardinia Libraries branches will accept non-perishable food with intact packaging and best before dates in 2020.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to tap into the true spirit of Christmas by donating new, unwrapped gifts to brighten the Festive Season for those that need it most," she said.
Cr Susan Serey also said that those who return lost or damaged library books when they deliver their donations will have their fines waived.
"Casey Cardinia Libraries permanently removed fines for overdue books at the beginning of 2019," she said.
"A special feature of the libraries' 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."
