Recipients of parking tickets in Hillsborough have been given a unique opportunity to spread holiday cheer by substituting food for fines.

During the month of December, the Hillsborough Police Department will accept payments of five non-perishable food items for any $10 parking fine administered within city limits.

The distribution of food items is being coordinated by the Hillsborough Police Department and the Orange Congregations in Mission, a non-profit outreach ministry that has served Orange County since 1981. Patrol officers will inform citizens of the unusual program with any parking tickets issued through the end of 2016.

Hillsborough Police Chief Duane Hampton noted in a press release that “many families may go without a meal” during the holiday season, and that “we are reflecting on ways that we can all help our community.”

Parking fines in Hillsborough may still be paid through the usual channels, but food items donated in lieu of monetary payments must be presented at the main police station on Churton St during regular business hours.

The department is also collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for an annual visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus that is scheduled for December 13.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough Parking Study Underway; Town Asks for Community Input
As Hillsborough continues to plan for the future, the town government is asking for feedback on where people prefer to park their vehicles.
Hillsborough Preparing for Parking Study Following Discussions with Businesses, Staff
After a return to downtown traffic in recent years, the Town of Hillsborough is beginning the earliest stages of a parking study.
Hillsborough Police Investigating 'Hate-Related Flyers'
Hillsborough authorities are investigating what officials described as “hate-related flyers” distributed in the town. The flyers were reported before hundreds turned out for a March for a Hate Free Hillsborough on Saturday. Law enforcement officials in Hillsborough are now looking for information regarding the flyers, including where they were found across the town. Saturday’s rally […]
Hillsborough Police Investigating Shooting
Hillsborough Police are investigating a reported shooting Tuesday evening. Authorities said in a release that police are seeking information about a shooting into an occupied vehicle. Officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to the shooting on South Churton Street near the intersection of Cardinal Drive. A victim with multiple gunshot wounds was found at the scene […]
Hillsborough Police Find 2 Dogs Abandoned in Park During Cold Temperatures
Two dogs were taken to Orange County Animal Services on Sunday night after Hillsborough Police officers found them abandoned in Gold Park. Authorities said in a post to the department’s Facebook page said that officers “heard barking coming from a freezing cold Gold Park.” The two dogs were locked in the dog park fence, according […]
Retired Hillsborough K9 Officer Dies
Viper – a well-known K9 Officer in the Hillsborough Police Department – has died. Viper passed away on Wednesday, October 21, following a sudden illness. He was nearly 10 years old, having served the town for six years before retiring from police work last fall and living full-time with Officer 1st Class Mike Toellen, Viper’s handler, […]
Hillsborough Police Arrests 2 on Explosives Charges
Hillsborough police have arrested two individuals who law enforcement says were in possession of an explosive device. The alleged device was found early Thursday morning, police said in a release, in a vehicle parked by the Walmart on Hampton Pointe Boulevard. Members of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad came in to assist and […]
Sheriff's Office: Body Found in Orange County
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office tweeted on Thursday that they have confirmed the identity of the deceased and will have more information after notifying the next of kin. Local authorities are investigating after a body was reportedly found near Hillsborough. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office tweeted there was police activity on NC 86 related […]
Hillsborough Downtown Parking Areas to Close Briefly for Marking
Some downtown parking in Hillsborough will be unavailable while markings are being repainted over the coming weeks. Per a release by the town, a contractor will close the affected areas with traffic cones early in the morning, and the spaces will be reopened as soon as the paint is dry. On Monday, June 25, the […]
Man Driving Stolen Vehicle in Chapel Hill Arrested for Multiple Breaking and Entering Cases
Chapel Hill Police have arrested a suspect wanted in connection with “multiple cases” of breaking and entering. Authorities also recovered a stolen handgun during the arrest of 21-year-old Anthony Justin Peterson, of Hillsborough. “I’m extremely proud of the work of our officers in this case,” Chapel Hill Police Chief and executive director for Community Safety […]
›