By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
On October 24, Modern Woodmen will team up with the Children’s Department of the Gadsden Public Library to collect supplies for the library’s new STEM cart in honor of Make a Difference Day, which was started in 1992 by USA Today.
The new STEM cart is designed to hold tools and crafting supplies.
“It’s perfect for kids working on projects,” said Jillian Reeves, Children’s Department supervisor. “Other times kids just want to be creative.”
The only problem is that the cart needs to be stocked with supplies to benefit the children.
The public is encouraged to donate supplies as well. Some things that are needed are masking tape, scotch tape, washi tape, small plastic cups, ping pong balls, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, cardboard tubes, aluminum foil, wax paper, straws, coffee stirrers, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, water bottle or soda caps, brads, paper clips, Elmer’s glue, multi-purpose glue, fabric glue, glue stick, scraps of fabric, twine, ribbon, metal washers, nuts and bolts, poster board, card board, lunch bags, cupcake liners, Q-tips, index cards, coffee filters, tempera paint, markers, color pencils, crayons, specialty scissors, small hot glue gun and sticks, tinker toys, gears, plastic spoons, magnets, cotton balls, yarn, all recyclable items and any tinkering items. The only thing they won’t take are food items. Objects may be dropped off at the library from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“You’d be surprised what these kids can use,” said Reeves. “They are creative.”
Modern Woodmen is a non-profit company that invests its proceeds into the local community.
Morgan Lavender of Modern Woodmen was inspired to help the library after finding an old library card.
“I think it’s important to get kids into the library,” said Lavender.
Modern Woodmen’s fraternal contributions in 2014 totaled more than $19 million dollars, supporting benefits and programs. The contributions in Alabama last year were $357,954.
In addition to the Make a Difference Day donations, CED Mental Health Services will be distributing literature on drug prevention and the dangers of drug abuse.
For additional information, please contact the library’s Children’s Department at 256-549-4699 ext. 118.