You might have misjudged the amount of time left on the meter or inadvertently parked in a fire lane, but whatever the violation, parking tickets are a nuisance — more so during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
If you’re stuck with one of those pesky citations, you might be able to take advantage of a Christmastime initiative to save you the headache of dealing with your fine. From Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Las Vegas, many cities offer Toys for Tickets programs, allowing violators to satisfy their parking tickets by donating toys to children in need.
Our Toys for Tickets campaign is up and running! Rather than pay for your ticket (issued from November 15-29), bring us a toy this week and help local organizations, including the Lions Club and My Sister’s Place, spread holiday cheer to those in need. https://t.co/3w77qDtvXm pic.twitter.com/VVl8y5qiuD
— New Tecumseth (@NewTecumseth) December 6, 2022
Specifics vary by locality, but, generally, drivers with outstanding parking tickets can donate a toy of the same value in lieu of payment of a citation, by providing receipts of the purchase and donation.
Gallery: Meaningful and Unique Gifts That Give Back
Communities across the country have adopted such programs, so if you were recently caught red-handed in a no-parking zone, you might be able to channel your inner-St. Nick and wipe your record clean and do some good at the same time.
