The power of community and literacy came together in a big way this winter at the Ellinwood School/Community Library. Thanks to a successful fundraiser in partnership with Books Are Fun, a business based in Colorado, local students were able to receive brand-new books to foster a love of reading.

The fundraiser, held in December, saw tremendous support from students, families, and the community. Special prizes were awarded weekly to encourage participation, with student winners including Aiden Davis, Raelhei Staton, Jordyn Quesenbury, Aiden Patrick-Parr, and Grand Prize Winner Brandon Elsen. The excitement continued into January when the books were delivered, marking a milestone in promoting literacy among Ellinwood’s young readers.

A huge thank you goes out to the Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation for their generous contribution, which helped make this initiative a success. Because of the overwhelming support, every student earned at least three books, with some receiving up to ten. In total, an astounding 1,100 books were delivered to Ellinwood Grade School, ensuring that students had engaging and enriching reading materials to enjoy.

Several fortunate teachers were awarded a $100 shopping spree for books or supplies for their classrooms, including Jodi Fullbright, Lori Billinger, Courtney Cook, Macey Kaiser, Ashley Foos, Melissa Jasnoch, Rebecca Hoffhines, and Terra Ricker.

It’s inspiring to see how many people came together to make this possible. The joy on the students’ faces when they received their books was truly priceless.

This initiative is just another example of how the Ellinwood community continues to come together to support education, literacy, and one another. Moments like these remind us all that when a community works together, great things happen.

Sheri Holmes is the director of library and media services for the Ellinwood School and Community Libraries. She can be reached by email at sholmes@usd355.org.