The following article was written by Tony Plekan, the Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Books do wonders for a child’s self-esteem, imagination, and intellectual development. Unfortunately, many kids in Manitowoc County are unable to afford books of their own. Manitowoc Public Library is asking for your help as we collect books to give to kids of all ages from economically challenged families over the Holiday Season.
Manitowoc Public Library’s “Best Gift Ever” book drive runs from Monday, November 4, through Friday, December 6. We will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped children’s books for local kids in need.
In 2023, the Best Gift Ever campaign collected over 400 books! We thank everyone who gave books and donated money to this fantastic cause. We want to build on that success and get even more books into the hands of our community’s youth.
How You Can Help
- Bring a new, unwrapped Children’s Book to Manitowoc Public Library anytime from November 4 through December 6.
- Picture Books, Board Books, Chapter Books, Young Adult Books, etc. Any book you think a Kid or Teen would enjoy.
- The greater the variety of books donated (reading level, subject, etc.) the easier it will be to find a book that each kid will love.
- They must be new books. We want to give these kids the encouragement that comes with having something that is truly theirs from the get-go.
- You can also support Best Gift Ever with a monetary contribution. For checks, please write the donation to “Friends of the Manitowoc Public Library” and put “Best Gift Ever” in the notes field.
Manitowoc County Nonprofits
Everything donated to Best Gift Ever goes to four Manitowoc County nonprofits for distribution. MPL is donating to Hope House, InCourage, Lakeshore Foster Family & Friends, and the Salvation Army of Manitowoc County. Your generous gift will directly benefit local kids.
- Hope House
1000 S. 35th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
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 Avenue
Manitowoc, WI 54220
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.
- Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends
1011 Washington Street, Suite 6
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends is a nonprofit organization supporting children in foster and kinship care by raising awareness and providing needed and deserved resources and support. They strive to ensure that all children who experience out-of-home care have childhood opportunities that lead to a bright future.
- The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County
415 N. 6th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
The Salvation Army of Manitowoc County has a multitude of programs throughout the year focused on collecting essential goods 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 resources. You can find more information about these and other community resources on MPL’s website at www.manitowoclibrary.org/resources/community.
Books are truly the Best Gift Ever, as they promote personal growth while also being a joy to experience. Let’s work together to help make the holiday season a little brighter for these kids. If you would like to contribute, please bring your donation of new children’s books to Manitowoc Public Library starting November 4. The benefits will last a lifetime.
We thank you for your generosity and support!