Libraries collect jeans in January
More than 800 pairs of blue jeans were brought in to Lackawanna County libraries last month.
Library system patrons who came to take out books also dropped off jeans at participating libraries for patients at Clarks Summit State Hospital.
The clothing drive, called "Just Jeans in January," was part of a year-long initiative by the libraries to engage closely with nonprofit organizations in the communities they serve.
The jeans collection is the first of what will be a monthly drive that will match the generosity of library users with the needs of local nonprofits, according to January's organizer, Leah Ducato Rudolph of the Abington Community Library.
The decision to develop the year-long effort grew out of a Pennsylvania Library Association initiative called PA Forward, Leah said. Encouraging public libraries to provide citizens of all ages the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, to contribute effectively in their communities, and to participate in civil discourse, are among the initiative's objectives.
"More than 60,000 people in Lackawanna County have library cards, and every year more than 750,000 people pass through the doors of the county's 10 libraries," Leah said. "Engaging our patrons in civic and charitable endeavors is potentially very powerful. We sincerely thank everyone for their donations; the response was overwhelming."
Items needed at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter will be collected this month in a drive spearheaded by Jeanie Sluck of the Taylor Community Library. Libraries are asking for donations of pet food, toys, cat litter, garbage bags, paper towels and cleaning supplies, among other things, Jeanie said, adding that there will be a collection barrel for donations in each participating library.
"People interested in donating can get a complete list of needed items at their library or online at www.lclshome.org/abington," Leah said.
Along with Leah and Jeanie, library directors who helped fold the jeans for delivery to the hospital included Terri Collins, North Pocono; Anna Kilcullen, Albright Memorial; and Marie Zaccone, Carbondale.
Super student
Emily Morgan was a "Distinguished Finalist" in the 2013 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Emily, 17, of Moscow, a senior at North Pocono High School, has raised $24,000 in donations and distributed 1,700 new books, bookcases, art and school supplies, games and puzzles through the organization she founded called "Eat a Book." She started the project in 2011 to inspire children to "devour" good books, developed curriculum for two summer camps, publishes a children's magazine and has built six literacy centers at shelters and other facilities for at-risk children. Emily previously was named winner of a National All-Around Student Scholarship, a scholarship for high school students presented to 10 select Discus Awards finalists each academic year. Discus Awards are a high school recognition program honoring students who excel in and out of the classroom, looks beyond grades, test scores and win-loss records and recognizes students for their multidimensional talents and passions.
High notes
The Scranton Times Building was full of red last week as staff members joined in on the American Heart Association's February Heart Month kickoff National Wear Red Day. It was all part of the Go Red For Women movement which encourages everyone to support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red. Among Times-Shamrockers who put on their scarlet sweaters were: Clare Bannon, Jennifer Casey, Anna Clate, Cheryll Davies, Cindy Detwiler, Cathy Dowd, Tony Duchnowski, Steve Friedman, Kristina Grego, Matthew Haggerty, Teri Hilson, George Lynett Jr., Melissa Lowry, Jaime Lyn Madigan, Nicole Mirailh, Lisa Murray, Joseph O'Connell, Jinx Perszyk, Kristin Piazza, Patricia Robertazza, Emily Santillo, Renee Shrader, Joseph Strubeck, Sharon Venturi and Tara Wilbur.