BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON – Do you have a $15 parking ticket from SUNY Canton and don’t want to pay it? Then simply drop off four non-perishable food items on Wednesday and have your fine dismissed.

University Police Chief Timothy Ashley brought the idea of Ticket Amnesty Day with him when he came to SUNY Canton. He said it serves as a community policing strategy that helps demonstrate how University Police help support the college and its students.  

“We like to run Ticket Amnesty Day before the Thanksgiving Break, so students who stay on campus can have food for the holiday,” Ashley said. “The Renzi Food Pantry is a great resource on campus, and we want to support it in any way that we can.”  

Ashley said that it also presents a cost-saving strategy for students, faculty and staff who may have inadvertently parked in the wrong area.

“It’s for a good cause,” he said. 

According to One Hop Shop Director Amanda Crump, about 20 individuals participated in Ticket Amnesty Day last year. Many brought in more than the required donation. 

“The One Hop Shop is the ideal collection point because our staff members can take care of the charges on the spot when people bring in donations,” she said. “It’s a great way to clear up any outstanding charges and support the Renzi Food Pantry.”  

If an individual picked up a parking ticket on campus, they could give four non-perishable food items to have the charges dropped on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The offer is only suitable for one parking ticket carrying a $15 fine. 

“I think it’s a great idea, and it saves our students a bit of money,” Crump said. 

Additionally, United University Professions, the labor union representing SUNY Canton faculty and professional staff, holds its annual holiday fundraiser in support of the Renzi Food Pantry. Last year, members donated $500 raised from a charity raffle.