Book work helps out library
From hauling books to hoisting bowling balls, the Flathead Valley keeps rolling in volunteerism. Many individuals and civic groups recently gave a lift to Flathead County Library and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Flathead County Library Director Kim Crowley reports that the library system has been a happy benefactor of the community's helpful spirits. Volunteers serve library patrons in a variety of ways, from building furniture to processing materials to storytelling.
Since 1984, Friends of the Library has offered its support. Every year, the group conducts a huge book sale at the Kalispell Center Mall. Crowley says hundreds of hours are spent collecting and sorting books, then storing them in boxes labeled by category.
The first weekend in November, members of the Friends of the Library and their families, along with students from the Flathead High School band and Anchor Club unloaded all those boxes and helped set up the sale tables. Three 4-H groups - the DoodleBugs, Open Horizons and the Trailblazers - also lent a hand.
During the three-day event, the group raised more than $7,000 toward the purchase of new library materials and to help fund the children's summer reading program.
"We are deeply grateful to all of you who volunteer to help the libraries be more effective in the community. Thank you," writes Crowley.
If you're interested in joining the Friends of the Library or in volunteering at any of the branches, call 758-5820.
The board of directors, staff and members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County were bowled over by the wonderful response to the recent Bowl For Kids' Sake fund-raiser Nov. 12 through 21.
Students from Elrod, Ruder and Helena Flats schools raised more than $7,500 during their school bowl. Ruder students alone raised $3,191.
The event also brought in pledge amounts totaling nearly $47,000.
Each year numerous business-sponsored groups, service clubs, families and individuals turn out to bowl and keep the ball rolling for the organization.
"Our appreciation goes out to all of the bowlers, sponsors and businesses for being so generous with their time and financial support," writes Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Jori Bullemer.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown two-fold in the last five years, supporting many more children in one-on-one, professionally supported relationships with screened mentors from the community.
The money will make it possible to sustain the level of service to the community and to work towards the organization's vision of matching each child who wants or needs a mentor here in the Flathead Valley.
"A special thank you to the Pin & Cue, Northshore Lanes and Glacier Lanes for hosting the event and Pizza Hut and Pepsi for providing refreshments," Bullemer adds. "Without your outstanding support, this would not have been possible. We feel proud that the community shares this vision for mentoring."
The group's next fund-raiser, the Select Dinner and Auction, is March 5. For details on that event or to learn more about volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County, call Bullemer at 752-0092 or visit www.bbbsfc.org.