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

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Lock Haven student-athletes and Sgt. Frank Shoemaker, Lock Haven campus police, with donated food items.

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Mansfield campus police officers with donated food items.

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Bloomsburg campus police officers with donated food items.