The Great Give Back 2019

A bustling library is a happy library with people as its life’s breadth. Within the walls of a library the transformation continues to a community-oriented institution with technological advancements and more opportunities to congregate, educate, and engage. Day to day, people of all ages, gather to partake in numerous and diverse activities. On Saturday, October 19, the Connetquot Public Library participated in The Great Give Back, “a community service initiative created by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk County Cooperative Library System. The mission is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of Long Island libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.” People helping people, community helping community.

In mid-September, the library began its Halloween Costume Drive, accepting new and gently used costumes from our generous members. Families were then invited to come and pick out “new-to-you” costumes for this coming year. With an abundance of choices, from a favorite fictional character, to a superhero, and a dash of make-believe and illusion, the magic of Halloween came alive. Children enthusiastically explored the selections, discovering just the perfect costume for their trick or treating adventures. The remaining costumes were donated to a local organization.

On Friday, October 18, under the instruction of Aimee Saccio, a special project began with Knitted/Crocheted Sleeves for Dementia Patients. The sleeves provide stimulation for dementia patients and aid with restless hands. This extraordinary initiative continues through November 8 and upon completion, the sleeves will be donated to the residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University.

The morning of the Great Give Back began with anticipation and a Coat Drive in the library’s meeting room. Members dropped off gently used winter coats, cold-weather accessories, and basic toiletries to be donated to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Throughout the day, donations arrived to make someone’s winter just a little bit warmer this year.

The library also collected birthday wrapping paper and gifts for Birthday Wishes of Long Island. A variety of items were collected from toddlers to teens, such as toys, games, action figures, nail polish sets, and more in order to provide birthday parties for homeless children. Members created cards for the birthday child to accompany their donation, making the day meaningful and special. Children also had the privilege of showing their appreciation for our soldiers serving both here and abroad by writing and decorating cards to be mailed. These works of encouragement and gratitude help bring the world closer to home and a bit of home to those far away.

Adult Librarians Eileen Trupia and Melissa Ventura represented the library in the Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival at the Pollack Center for Recovery and Wellness in Ronkonkoma. Entering and preparing their delicious chili was only part of the fun. With fierce competition, live music, a Halloween costume contest, and more, there was something for everyone. Proceeds from the Fall Festival benefit people affected by mental illness as well as at-risk and homeless veterans.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members,” Coretta Scott King. We thank our teen volunteers, staff, and all of our members who participated in the day’s activities, uplifting and enriching our community one act at a time.