CLEVELAND-Delta State University students can take part in a new Thanksgiving food drive and get a gift in return: a reduction in their fines for campus traffic violations. The Delta State Police Department is sponsoring a “Feed the Families” campaign to help Cleveland-area families during the holidays.
Through Nov. 25, the policy will allow Delta State students to repay half of their fines with food for the drive. The remainder of the fine will be forgiven.
Delta State Police Chief Lynn Buford said that what began as a campaign to feed six families has resulted in food donations worth close to $1,000.
“It’s a wonderful thing. We are getting a lot of good, positive responses,”he said.
Buford estimates that 65 to 70 Delta State students owe at least $30 in fines, with some owing $100 or more. Under Delta State rules, students must pay their fines before they can register for classes or graduate.
Last week, Delta State freshman Alicia Terry, 18, donated breakfast cereals, cans of corn and mixed vegetables, and a box of crackers.
After seeing “Feed the Families” signs on campus, the criminal justice major bought groceries even though she hasn’t been slapped with traffic tickets.
“Everybody needs help sometime,” Terry said.
Other Mississippi schools are stepping up their levels of community giving as the holidays approach.
November is traditionally the month that Jackson State University students donate to a “Feed Our World” campaign.
With Jackson State celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, the goal is to provide meals to a minimum of 125 families before Nov. 22, according to Jackson State student body president F. Jannelle Hannah.
Student leaders are collecting spare change in the JSU campus union. All over the 7,800-student campus, classes are undertaking separate food drives and clothing drives.
Delta State’s food drive on the 4,000-student campus means there will be fewer dollars from fines for Delta State’s general fund, which covers a variety of university needs.
Buford said he isn’t concerned.
“We are losing a little revenue, but in the long run we will be OK,” he said. “There are a lot of people who are going hungry.