Book drive starts new chapter for Hope Center
Volunteers hope to stock center's new kids' library
"More than words" could be the motto of members of the Volunteers of Lake Country (VLC) who are collecting books for a permanent free children's library at the Hope Center in Waukesha
VLC, a grassroots volunteer group made up of Lake Country residents, began last year with a few friends on a mission to help their community, especially in the wake of the recession.
The group's initial efforts included working with Healthy Families of Waukesha County, local pantries and in neighborhood backyards helping seniors with chores. VLC continued to grow, picking up at least one project each month and also working with the county to help struggling families. Their efforts did not go unnoticed as United Way of Waukesha County named it Volunteer Group of the Year for 2009.
VLC member Dave Wolken said the Hope Center in Waukesha provides meals, clothing, shelter and more for impoverished and homeless people.
"The Hope Center estimates that it serves up to 3,000, including 800-900 children, monthly," Wolken said of the site, which is centrally located near other social, community outreach programs.
Wolken said in July VLC set out one bookshelf lined with 175 books, "just to see what would happen." He said signs were put up in English and Spanish encouraging parents to take books.
"In less than three days, all the books had been taken. A second bookcase and another several hundred books were set up the next week. Within a day, almost all the books were gone," said Wolken, adding "People began to arrive for the opening of the clothing shop at the same time we were setting up the second bookcase and bringing in boxes of books. In minutes we were surrounded by children looking at and choosing books, and soon the hallway was full of children reading," Wolken said.
He estimates that the volunteers gave out more than 500 books in less than two weeks.
"Once the Children's Free Library is fully established, we should distribute about 1,000 books a month," he said.
The VLC is planning a communitywide book drive Sept. 18. New and gently used books for children, ranging from infant board books to young adult books, are needed. VLC will accept books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 at Hartbrook Mall in Hartland, or you can drop off books anytime at 702 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland.
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Proposed guitar locations have been selected for Gibson project
- Nationally-acclaimed "The Cat's Pajamas" vocal group to perform at Waukesha North Saturday
-
Giant guitars delivered to downtown Waukesha
-
Series finds new way to savor local theater
-
Schools' turf quest seeks a major boost
-
Now You Know:
Who is Waukesha County Airport/ Crites Field named for?
-
Man gets jail for crime spree
-
A trip to store leads to police chase
-
Police Report: Feb. 1
- Giant Gibson guitars to be delivered Tuesday in Waukesha
0 COMMENTS