SPRINGDALE, Ohio -- The City of Springdale has had a 14-year holiday tradition: you got a traffic ticket and you could pay it with canned goods.
The food was then given to the less fortunate.
This year, Springdale is among the less fortunate.
"Our revenues this year aren't necessarily the best," says City Administrator Derrick Parham. "And so we're just taking the opportunity to take a step back, and we're not going to engage in it because we need to focus those dollars on other programs."
Because of the economy, their revenue is down by $700,000.
Last year the city gave up $6,000 in fines in exchange for food items.
But the holiday spirit won't be darkened by Springdale's economic cloud.
Marsha Bemmes, who works with Springdale Offering Support, as well as the city's police department, says the community is making up the difference.
"Our residents are coming together," she explains," to help fill the void the city cannot supply."
And while Springdale may not be making a financial contribution to the needy this year, that's not slowing down the giving spirit of its employees.
"Health department, police department, fire department, our parks and recreation come together and provide food, clothing, groceries and gifts to area residents that are in need," she said.
