In the spirit of the holiday season, the City of Wheeling is once again offering its popular “Food for Fines” initiative, allowing residents to donate non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, or personal hygiene items in lieu of paying $10 fines for overtime parking violations. Donations will be distributed to local non-profit organizations to benefit community members in need.

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, a resolution was passed to continue the program for its eighth consecutive year. Mayor Denny Magruder expressed pride in the initiative’s success, noting the impact it has had on local food pantries over the years.

“‘Food for Fines’ has been tremendously successful in previous years, resulting in hundreds of non-perishable food items donated to support our local food pantries,” said Magruder. “This initiative reflects the holiday spirit of giving and helps provide additional support to those in need. While no one enjoys getting a parking ticket, this program offers an opportunity to make something meaningful out of it.”

The “Food for Fines” program will apply to citations issued between Dec. 1, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025. Donations must be brought to the City’s finance department, located on the first floor of the City-County Building at 1500 Chapline Street, where parking fines are typically paid. Non-profit organizations interested in receiving donations are encouraged to contact the finance department at (304) 234-6473 for more information.