Bellies and Babies teamed up with Sechelt bookstore Talewind Books to gift more than 50 books to families with young children over the holiday season, thanks to the initiative of a dedicated volunteer.
The initiative, “Give a book to a child … and the gift of reading to a family,” was the idea of Sunshine Coast Community Services’ Bellies and Babies program volunteer, Bev Terry. Terry approached Talewind Books and working together, along with the team from the Bellies and Babies and Parent-Tot Drop-in programs, the names of children from the Community Services programs were hung on tags on a driftwood tree, borrowed from Fresh from The Coast. Patrons of Talewind Books were able to select a name and purchase a new book for the child. The tags sold out within three days.
Terry’s motivation for the initiative was “to find another way to help young children and their families” now that in-person volunteering is on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. “I believe that it is important for children to have books of their own and families reading them together is a wonderful holiday tradition.” Terry said.
Terry was surprised at how fast the response from the community was. “People who participated said they liked knowing something about the recipients of their donations. They appreciated giving a small gift designated for a specific child.”
Before COVID-19, Terry contributed to the Bellies and Babies and Mamas Supporting Mamas programs by sorting donations, serving food and providing a listening ear to new and expecting mothers.
“Bev’s heart is big, and her warm and dependable presence enhances the capacity of the program,” said Shirley French, family resource programs lead. The staff loved being part of Terry’s initiative, she added, taking great pleasure in delivering the donated books to families.
For more information about Sunshine Coast Community Services family resource programs, contact French at sfrench@sccss.ca or call 604-865-1108.
– Submitted
