Elting Memorial Library’s “Food Fight” doesn’t involve throwing potatoes, unfortunately. This kind of fight does more for the community than the classic lunchroom drama.
“Food Fight” is an Ulster County food collection contest that Elting Memorial Library is participating in between Oct. 1-17 with 11 local libraries. Part of the “Great Give Back” throughout New York State on Oct. 17, Elting is donating their goods to local charity Family of New Paltz, according to library director John Girelco.
“Many Ulster County libraries wanted to do something for ‘The Great Giveback’ but haven’t had a lot of time to think about it due to the COVID-19 issues that we’re dealing with,” Girelco said. “When a food collection plan for our various county food pantries was proposed, it certainly made sense to us here at Elting Library.”
Community members and students are asked to donate goods and non-perishable items by dropping them off in boxes located in the Elting Library’s main entryway. If someone feels uncomfortable entering the building, the library requests that they ring the doorbell before leaving their donation.
The 11 libraries are competing for the highest average of food donations to receive a certificate for the library wall, though Girelco says they are not in it for the competition.
“We can only come out ahead if people bring many items for our collection boxes,” Girelco said. “Again, I’m happy that many libraries are doing this for a great cause, and would cheer all libraries on! Nice if we collected the most too.”
Elting Memorial Library also offered a few other events: a pick-up craft activity that was taught over Zoom on Oct. 17, and a free online workshop on genealogy on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
For more information on the “Food Fight” or the Great Give Back, contact the Elting Memorial Library at 845-255-5030.
