The holiday season is upon us, and as we show gratitude for all that we have, it is important to remember those in our communities who need a helping hand.
Thankfully, countless Americans take it upon themselves to help reach out to others with touching gestures, like the barber who gave free haircuts to the homeless in his neighborhood.
However, the city of Lexington, KY is truly taking "giving back" to a whole new level.
Like most cities, Lexington is fraught with unpaid parking tickets and citations of all kinds. These kinds of violations can cost up to $750, leaving citizens stuck with a rather large bill.
So Lexington's parking authority has added an amazing incentive for those folks looking to avoid their payments: helping to feed the homeless.
By combining these two real issues, the city is boosting revenue and doing a public service for those who need some extra kindness this holiday season.
Scroll down to see the genius way that the citizens of Lexington are paying their parking tickets.
Would you rather pay fines like this? Let us know in the comments.
h/t Huffington Post
Parking fines can be a huge problem for city-dwellers, especially during the holiday seasons, with extra people on the road and extended family coming to visit.
That’s why Lexington, KY, has teamed up with God’s Food Bank to create the “Food for Fines” program, lasting through the holiday season: November 16th — December 18th.
The way the program work is that those who donate 10 canned food items will receive a $15 credit on citations. Customers with multiple citations may bring in 10 cans per citation for the credits. With enough canned goods, citizens can completely pay off their parking tickets.
God's Pantry Food Bank will use the donated food to stock shelves at its four Lexington locations. "One expired parking meter ticket could mean two meals for hungry Fayette County families," God's Pantry CEO Marian Guinn shared with the Huffington Post.
Citizens brought in over 6,200 cans of food as payment during last year's inaugural "Food for Fines" program, LexPark Executive Director Gary Means shared. The city is aiming for an even higher number this holiday season.
The city hopes this program will also help feed its over 1,500 homeless citizens — a growing number the city is desperately trying to address.
The parking authority does note, however, that they cannot accept any damaged, out-of-date, or open canned goods, and highly suggests larger cans of vegetables and proteins.
Lexington’s “Food for Fines” program serves as a great example of how a city can get its citizens involved in helping the greater community while offering a personalized incentive in the process.
Would you like the option of paying a parking ticket in canned goods? Let us know in the comments.
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