In Racine, Pay Parking Ticket Late Fees With Food Drive Donation

RACINE, WI — Do you have a Racine parking citation that's been piling up late fees? Under a new program that begins on Friday, Dec. 6, people will be able to "pay" for those fees with a donation to a local food drive.

Residents who have outstanding parking citations where late fees have accrued will be eligible to have all late fees forgiven in exchange for a $5 food donation to the Racine County Food Bank.

“This is a great idea for the holidays, and I want to thank Officer Jon LeGath thinking outside of the box and bringing this idea forward,” Racine Mayor Cory Mason said in a news release. “This is an excellent way for residents to start the New Year. You can clear up your parking tickets late fees and give back to families that need our support in the community.”

There are two ways to support this food drive:

1. Citizens may purchase prepackaged grocery goods at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly 5201 Washington Avenue, where customers will receive a validated receipt to present at the public service counter of the Racine Police Department.

2. Citizens may also make a direct cash donation of $5 at the public service counter in lieu of direct food purchases.

Groceries purchased at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly will be collected in special bins at the front of the store, after which all non-perishable goods will be transported to the Racine County Food Bank for regional distribution as dictated by need within the Greater Racine County region.

After paying the original parking citation, and being credited for a cash or food donation, all late fees will be waived. Each individual citation will require a separate donation to trigger the forgiveness of associated late fees.