The following article was written by Tony Plekan, a Public Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
From November 6 through December 8, Manitowoc Public Library ran our “Best Gift Ever” book drive to collect new children’s books for needy families in our community. It was another fantastic year! Thanks to the generosity of Manitowoc Library patrons, we were able to donate over 400 books! These books were handed-over to local nonprofits and the books have already found their way into the hands of kids in our area. Manitowoc Public Library would like to thank everyone who donated to Best Gift Ever.
We gave away 435 books! This total represents all the in-person donations and books purchased with monetary donations. As always, our patrons are great at picking out books. So many different types of stories and reading levels. They run the range from fun looking picture books (Dragons Love Tacos, How to Catch a Unicorn) to more advanced books for tweens and young adults (The Wild Robot, The Lord of the Rings). The variety of subjects and styles help immensely when trying to pair a child with a book. Owning a book can have a dramatic impact on a child’s self-esteem, inspire their imaginations, and enhance their cognitive development.
We would like to express our appreciation for these nonprofits and all the hard work they do for our community and especially our city’s young citizens.
- Hope House
1000 S 35th Street, 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 Avenue, 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 Street, 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.
- Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends
1011 Washington Street, Suite 6, Manitowoc WI 54220—(920) 860-8122
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.
If you are looking to donate to a nonprofit or are in need of assistance, please visit: Community Resources | Manitowoc Public Library (manitowoclibrary.org) There you will find contact information for local nonprofits and helpful organizations in our area.
We also would like to thank everyone who contributed to Best Gift Ever 2023.
Tony Plekan
- Thank you to every person who donated. You made this event possible.
- Thank you to the Friends of the Manitowoc Public Library for their generous contribution.
- Thank you to Seehafer News, Craig Dillon from WCUB’s Breakfast Club, and Tina Prigge from Coolest Coast’s Coffee on the Coast for raising awareness of the book drive.
- Thank you to the Chamber of Manitowoc County for being a book donation drop-off location.
- Thank you to all the above-mentioned nonprofits for distributing the books to the kids.
Life has presented many challenges to these kids, which could lead to them losing their enthusiasm for or access to reading material. Your donations will help keep these kids on a path towards a lifelong love for reading and make their holiday season a little brighter. Thank you again for your support!
