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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Link to Libraries celebrates one year of aid
Link to Libraries celebrates one year of aid |
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Link to Libraries celebrated its first anniversary on May 21 with a celebration of cake and gifts for volunteers. Persons involved with Link to Libraries includes (left to right) Jonathan Hebert, Tim Crimmins, Aimee Lo, Trish Croken, Betsy Sokol, Gayle Rediker, Janet Crimmins, Stephen G. Kaplan and Susan Jaye-Kaplan. Missing from photo are Ellen Freyman, Stephen Freyman, Gail Baquis, Jenna Carando, Kathleen Plante and Kieran Summers.
Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
EAST LONGMEADOW - After the ceremonial cake-cutting in the home of Janet and Tim Crimmins on Rockingham Circle, the volunteers who make up the non-profit Link to Libraries got down to business with carrot cake in hand.
The volunteers, led by Link to Libraries founders Susan Jaye-Kaplan and Janet Crimmins, celebrated their first anniversary on the evening of May 21, noting that in the past year, they have donated more than 2,600 books throughout Western Massachusetts.
Their organization was formed to help public elementary schools and non-profit organizations keep their libraries stocked with new and interesting books that might not be available due to budget cuts and shortage of funding.
"Public libraries and school libraries are helping to close the book gap by providing our children from all walks of life and all backgrounds access to high quality reading and materials rich in language experience that they may not have access to if not for the library system," Jaye-Kaplan said .
Brightside for Families and Children in West Springfield, a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS), was among the local organizations recently receiving a donation of books from Link to Libraries. The donations to Brightside included classics, chapter books, early reader selections and multicultural books.
"Our organization believes we have a responsibility to provide benefits to children who have fewer opportunities and more challenges in the local community," Jaye-Kaplan added. "Brightside is doing wonderful work in this area, so the book donation is a perfect fit."
Link to Libraries tapped a group of educators to select the books in this donation.
"The generosity of spirit of organizations in our community such as Link to Libraries assures that the children of Brightside have new experiences, materials and resources that enrich their lives," Brenda McCormick, vice president of fund development at SPHS, said. "We truly appreciate those who support Brightside."
Since May 2008, a dedicated group of 14 volunteers have collected and donated new and gently used books to a variety of organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, Shriners Hospital, Square One, Girls Inc. of Holyoke and public schools in Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Westfield and Easthampton. In addition, donations have gone to the Bridge Program/Salvation Army Library in North Adams, and books will soon be added to the Abner Gibbs School in Westfield.
Jaye-Kaplan and Crimmins praised their volunteers for their steadfast support during the past year. Volunteers included teens from Longmeadow High School and interns from Bay Path College in Longmeadow, who participated in book drives, delivery assignments and numerous activities.
Without donations from individuals and organizations as well as grants, all of these book drops would not be possible. Link to Libraries volunteers noted they are grateful for grants from Yankee Candle, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Hampden Bank Foundation, United Bank Foundation and Peoples Bank Foundation. Also, the organization has been tapped to receive one of the Paul D'Amour Memorial Charity Golf Awards from Big Y Foods which will take place in June.
Donations have also come from the corporate sector, including Meyers Brothers Kalicka P.C., Holyoke; St. Mary's Academy, Longmeadow; Rediker Software, Hampden; Bank of Western Massachusetts, Springfield; Zonta Clubs in Springfield and Palmer; and the Holyoke Rotary. Additionally, Jaye-Kaplan and Crimmins singled out Rediker Software for creating warehouse space to house the books, and to Trans Courier System in East Longmeadow for their monthly book deliveries to locations across the valley.
"This is an important issue," Trish Croken, whose husband Dan runs Trans Courier System, said. "Children need to have literature in the schools and in their homes."
Gayle Rediker of Rediker Software echoed those sentiments.
"We are honored we have the privilege to house these books for Link to Libraries," Rediker said. "Our business is all about helping children so this gives us a chance to give back to the community."
Both Jaye-Kaplan and Crimmins welcome area residents, organizations and businesses to get involved in the cause.
"It is the hope of Link to Libraries founders and volunteers that our boys and girls in Western Massachusetts receive all the best life has to offer," Jaye-Kaplan said. "They are our future and deserve our best."
For more information on Link to Libraries, call 224-1031, e-mail litlink@hotmail.com or visit www.linktolibraries.org. Donations may be sent to Link to Libraries, 45 Rockingham Circle, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
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