GB's "Unique Boutique"

Graham Branch Library hosted a Back to School supply and clothing giveaway event on Tuesday, August 12, with over 200 children and their parents in attendance. There were lots of hugs and thanks from the parents and kids with happy smiles as they left with their goodies. The event was organized and efficiently run with Library Clerk Delores Walker at the helm. The families were invited one at a time into the room which was transformed into a “Unique Boutique” with tables of new and gently used clothing and accessories. Each child was allowed to pick out two items of their choice with the help of their parent. The families were led to the supply bag table to pick up their essentials for heading back to school and then were treated to refreshments on the way out. There were several

prize drawings including the grand prize of a Wii console and games, donated by Cipeo Walker. Delores organized the donations and the gathering of supplies and clothing, setting up, and helping the families flow through quickly.  The outpouring of donations of clothes and school supplies from library departments and branches including SST and UPK and many individual staffs was generous. Graham’s staff all played a part in the success--organizing donations, signing people in, helping children pick out clothes, and raffling off prizes. There were many other people outside of the Graham employees that helped with the event, including Highlands Library Assistant Felicia Battle, who helped families in the Unique Boutique. Part-time Library Clerk Margaret Miles was borrowed from Brentwood to help at the customer service desk. Tierra Chandler, a representative of Tobacco-Free Jacksonville and the Florida Department of Health, offered illustrations and information about the health risk of smoking flavored tobacco products. Carl Patterson, Operational Manager with Crystal Spring Waters, delivered donated cases of water. Target Stores donated tote bags with handles to accommodate the supply giveaway. Edward L. Thomas, Jr., Academic Tutor with FCCJ helped efficiently organize the set-up of the supply bags. Greta Gordon baked cupcakes, made honey-drippers, cookies, and popped corned for the event.

 
  Dee would like to give a special thanks to Gretchen Mitchell and Friends of JPL Vice President for Programs Margaret Smith, who have been generous supporters of the Back to School event for years. There were many unnamed donors and helping hands that unselfishly gave their time and resources. Graham Branch Manager Jackie Spiritas said the event ran smoothly thanks to Delores Wallker’s organization of the event combined with her years of experience running it.