"Load the Library" Fundraiser Supports Donley Elementary

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 6:26 pm
By: 
Heather Paris

On March 24th, 6:30-8pm, Donley Elementary is hosting a fundraiser in order to update and build upon their current library collection/catalog. The event includes a silent auction and family-friendly activities with a theme to honor Dr. Seuss. The event has been in the works since last spring and added to the calendar as of August 2015. Organizers Jeff Powers and Bree Anderson of the Donley PTO aim to make the library accessible for all of the students that attend the school. Why the library? “The library is the heart and soul of the building,” Powers said.

Powers, current President of Donley’s PTO, and Anderson, Donley’s 2014-5 PTO President, are working together to improve the collection in the school library. Powers stressed that their goal is to update the library for future students and not just those that are attending the school right now. Upon close examination of the current collection, it was discovered that many books were outdated and did not represent all of the students attending the school. Books about countries that no longer exist, or that were published before the first man stepped onto the surface of the moon were among the tomes that they found on the shelves.

Though demographics have changed in the community, the books in Donley’s library have not. Anderson noted that now, with refugee students as a part of the local population, it matters that there are no books in Donley’s circulation for these children to see people who look like them. Powers and Anderson plan to remedy that deficiency by adding some biographies of people that these children can relate to. There are also opportunities for the students to get involved; throughout the month, an individual student or group of students can adopt a book to add to the library.

March is reading month throughout the US, so this is an opportune time to do such a fundraiser. March kicks off with the celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2, and Powers and Anderson have planned to work that celebration into the Load the Library fundraiser.

The Seussian celebration on March 24th will culminate in an evening with a silent auction, celebrity readers and activities such as face painting. Auction items are available in a range of prices, from $1 and up. Items available to bid on at the auction include movie passes and a personal tour of the Capitol with State Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr.

“Some PTO’s raise money for playground equipment or classroom supplies. We chose to focus on the library for this fundraiser,” says Powers. “iPads are everywhere, but nothing can replace turning a page in a book.”

Powers and Anderson are grateful for and appreciative of the support and generosity that the community have given to this effort, and list a number of ways to contribute:

  • Monetary donations may be sent or delivered to William Donley School Association "Load the Library" c/o Donley Elementary School 2961 Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing MI 48823.
  • Donations may be made online at www.gofundme.com/loadthelibrary.
  • Donations of auction items will be accepted until March 7, and gift certificates, gift cards, and any other items are welcome. Auction items may be delivered to the Donley Elementary office.
  • Donations of Dr. Seuss themed decorations are welcome.

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