Tuscaloosa has found a creative way to spread Christmas cheer while helping residents clear overdue parking tickets.

The Tuscaloosa Municipal Court is turning $19 overtime parking fines into gifts for local children through a holiday partnership with Toys for Tots. The effort supports struggling families, boosts local retailers, and could serve as a model for other Alabama communities.

Through December 4, Tuscaloosa residents can pay off their $19 overtime parking tickets simply by donating a new toy.

A toy valued at $10 or more will satisfy one $19 parking ticket and a toy valued at $20 or more will be accepted in place of two $19 parking tickets.

Toys can be dropped off at the Tuscaloosa Municipal Court, 2122 Gary Fitts St., through December 4.

The City asks donors to bring a receipt or price tag showing the toy’s value.

For questions, residents can call Tuscaloosa 311.

The initiative turns routine municipal enforcement into a way to lift up local kids during the holidays — and it brings welcome business to area toy retailers.

With cities across Alabama looking for ways to support families and strengthen community partnerships, Tuscaloosa’s “Toys for Tickets” program may inspire others to follow suit, whether this Christmas or in future holiday seasons.

Instead of Toys for Tots alone, this year in Tuscaloosa, it’s “Toys for Tickets” — and the impact will be felt by children across the community.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].