Commonwealth University police departments support campus food pantries through annual Food for Fines event
PA (12/15/2025) — For the fourth year, all three Commonwealth University (CU) police departments at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield held a Food for Fines event, in which parking tickets were forgiven in exchange for donated food items.
Between Nov. 10-21, members of the CU campus community had the opportunity to have a campus parking ticket dismissed in exchange for a donation of canned food items. Each forgiven parking ticket required a donation of five items, resulting in the collection of 1,245 canned food items and the dismissal of $249 parking tickets across all three campuses.
"Commonwealth University police believe their role extends beyond enforcement to fostering a culture of service, compassion and community partnership," said Leo Sokoloski, director of Commonwealth University police. Each year, our departments implement the Food for Fines program to embody these values in a meaningful way."
At Bloomsburg, the food items were donated to the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, at Lock Haven they were donated to the Haven Cupboard and at Mansfield the Campus Cupboard and the Mansfield Food Pantry benefitted from the donations.
"This initiative reflects our commitment to service beyond policing, demonstrating that we are partners in creating a supportive and caring environment," Sokoloski said. "Through Food for Fines, we are reinforcing the spirit of the season and ensuring that together, we make a positive difference for those who need it most."
Media Attachments
Lock Haven student-athletes and Sgt. Frank Shoemaker, Lock Haven campus police, with donated food items.
Mansfield campus police officers with donated food items.
Bloomsburg campus police officers with donated food items.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Julie Stellfox, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, jms833@commonwealthu.edu, 570-484-2280Share this Story
Recent News
- Commonwealth University names dean of Zeigler College of Business, appoints 5 interim deans
- Ahead of schedule and beyond goal: Campaign for Bloomsburg tops $100M
- Media Advisory: Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg Students Contribute to Food Bank
- CU-Bloomsburg celebrates new educators during teacher induction ceremony
- CU-Mansfield celebrates new educators during teacher induction ceremony
- CU-Lock Haven celebrates new educators during teacher induction ceremony
- Haven Nation rolls up its sleeves to enhance campus through beatification effort
- CU-Bloomsburg to host Summer Preview Day for prospective students
- From CU-Bloomsburg classrooms to the Army's digital front lines
- CU-Lock Haven alumnus establishes scholarship to support future biology students