The following article was written by MPL staff member, Tony.
One of the best ways to encourage a lifelong love of reading in a child is to give them a book of their own, something they can hold onto and is only for them. This bond with books can help foster imagination, develop cognitive skills, and increase their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Unfortunately, there are many kids in our area who, due to circumstances beyond their control, cannot afford a book of their own. Manitowoc Public Library is seeking your help in alleviating this burden by giving free books to kids in needy families.
We are running our “Best Gift Ever” campaign to provide books to local families in need. From November 7 through December 5, Manitowoc Public Library will be collecting donations of new children’s books to be given to nonprofits in Manitowoc County. These nonprofits will then disburse the books to underprivileged youths in our community.
I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to Best Gift Ever last year. Together we collected over 150 books! There were so many great books and a lot of happy kids.
How You Can Help:
Stop by Manitowoc Public Library between November 7 and December 5 with a new, unwrapped children’s book to donate. Place your books in the donation box at the Service Desk near the Library Entrance. These books will be sorted and distributed to one of three local nonprofits.
These nonprofits serve children of different age groups. We accept all kinds of books, so you can donate picture books and board books, chapter books or young adult books—anything you think a child or teenager would enjoy.
You may also make a monetary donation towards “Best Gift Ever.” Monetary donations will go towards ordering new kids’ books. For checks, please make your donation out to “Friends of Manitowoc Public Library” and drop it off at the Library Service Desk. We ask that you please have your monetary donations into the Library by November 28 so we have time to purchase new books for delivery in December.
Manitowoc County Nonprofits:
We are once again giving to Hope House, Incourage, and the Salvation Army of Manitowoc County. All donated books will directly benefit kids in our area. If I may, I would like to share with you a little more about each of these organizations.
Hope House
1000 S 35th St, Manitowoc WI 54220 - (920) 686-1436
Hope House provides overnight accommodations for individuals and their families who are experiencing homelessness. They offer assistance with locating more stable housing arrangements, a variety of job and skills training, and referrals to other community agencies.
Incourage
300 E Reed Ave, Manitowoc WI 54220 - (920) 684-5770
Incourage provides shelter to individuals and their families who have experienced domestic abuse. Incourage is a safe space where these individuals receive housing, food, clothing and access to support programs.
The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County
415 N 6th St, Manitowoc WI 54220 - (920) 684-7117
The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County has a multitude of programs throughout the year focused on collecting essential goods such as food, toiletries, and clothing for the less fortunate. They provide coats, toys, and books to kids throughout Manitowoc County.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is in need, we strongly encourage you to seek out these local resources. You can find more information about these and other community resources on MPL’s website at www.manitowoclibrary.org/resources/community.
Owning something as simple as a book can have a tremendous impact on a child’s sense of self-worth. We ask that you work with us to provide new children’s books to these needy kids. The benefits will last a lifetime.