Warren, Arkansas – Sandy Doss, Branch Manager and Christy Ward, Library Assistant at the Warren Branch Library recently presented a program at the Community Thanksgiving, sponsored by the Bradley County Ministerial Alliance, held at the Assembly of God Church in Warren. The Warren Branch Library recently partnered with the Bradley County Ministerial Alliance to apply for a National Grant for Small and Rural Libraries and was awarded $3,000 to fund their Backpack Blessings Program.
This was a very competitive process. Warren Branch Library was 1 of 100 libraries (across the US) selected to participate in Round 3 of Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association initiative that helps library workers better serve their communities.
This is an amazing opportunity that will allow us to better serve the needs of the homeless groups, get to know our residents better, and help us to continue building a happier & healthier community for our families.
One of the requirements of the grant is to hold A Community Conversation on homelessness will be held in either January or February 2022 as a requirement of the grant, and more information will available about this conversation at a later time.
Grant funding is expected in early December. Their goal is to fill 100 Backpacks for the homeless and distribute to those in need in our community the week of Christmas. Grant funds will provide 100 Backpacks, gloves, toboggans, scarfs, and blankets.
Members of the community can help with this program by donating the following items no later than December 18. Travel size hygiene products (Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Chap stick), Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Tampons/pads, Socks, towels/wash rags, brush/comb, band-aids, survivor kits, toilet paper, razors, laundry soap, Orajel, Ibuprofen, Bug Spray, baby wipes, water bottles (plastic refillable), can opener.
Items can be dropped off at the Warren Branch Library during business hours.
Other items needed that will not fit in backpacks are food, tents, sleeping bags, jackets, clothes, pillows, suitcases /bags, long johns, leggings, and shoes.
Assistance will be needed on Monday, December 20 preparing the backpacks, as well as on Tuesday, December 21 distributing backpacks at the library.
Anyone interested in helping us with this program or would like more information please contact Sandy Doss or Christy Ward, (Warren Branch Library) at 870-226-2536.
Churches that are interested in donating Bibles/Flashlights or would like more information please contact Bro. Ricky Rawls (Ministerial Alliance) 870-820-4500.