TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – The City of Tuscaloosa lost over $4,300 in revenue from parking tickets, but the city was pleased to take the step because it had one goal in mind: to help the local school district with much-needed supplies.
Illegally parked vehicles could have their $18 parking ticket canceled if they brought $10 worth of school supplies.
“We are very grateful for the donations,” said Kalissa Boremann, director of the New Heights Community Resource Center.
Boremann’s excitement is hard to contain as he looks at the four large boxes – boxes filled with school supplies such as backpacks, crayons and pencils. Boremann will be responsible for distributing the items in the Tuscaloosa City School District.
“We plan to distribute the funds from the New Heights Community Center and forward the need to all the schools in the school system. There, the social worker will contact us and say he needs a backpack with classroom materials for the 5th grade,” Boremann said.
All of this came from those who received $18 parking tickets in the city of Tuscaloosa, all of which were canceled when the offenders brought in $10 worth of school supplies this summer.
“We had a really good turnout this year,” said Jessica Steward, chief of the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court.
How good? According to Jessica Steward, the city court director, citizens brought nearly 800 items for the schools.
“It’s the biggest event we’ve had in three years. I think the turnout was really good. We moved it up a bit this year to coincide with the start of school, but I think that’s because everyone was so keen to help,” Steward said.
And they helped. According to Boremann, those who park illegally should know that their generosity will soon be put to good use.
The new school year started a week ago and that means there is a joyful atmosphere ahead for both students and teachers.
“Students in need are identified by teachers in collaboration with social workers and can say, this student is in need and needs a pencil or a backpack,” Boremann said.
The offenders’ tickets were erased. The school district was happy about all sorts of good things. A win-win situation for everyone.
Boremann says the collected items will be distributed in about two weeks, once it has been determined who needs what and when.
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