Individuals with West Virginia University parking citations can have one ticket forgiven and help local food pantries at the same time, under an amnesty program being offered Oct. 15-19 by the WVU Parking Office.

WVU Parking will excuse a citation for three canned food items (10 ounces or more) or three bags of dried goods such as rice or pasta. The parking office is offering the amnesty program in cooperation with WVU Student Government to complement other ongoing food drives for county agencies.

“A number of our local food services that support those in need are low on supplies,”said Bob Roberts, director of Public Safety and Transportation.”This is an opportunity for people to save themselves some money and help their community at the same time, and a way for our department to help as well.”

People participating in the program can drop off food at the parking office in the University Services Center from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. during the amnesty week, Roberts said. Only one citation will be forgiven under the program, but individuals will still save about $8 while helping those in need. The amnesty does not apply to citations for handicapped parking violations.

People who do not have any parking citations may also contribute to the food drive, he added.

For more information about the amnesty program, call the parking office at 293-5502.