Cromaine Cares: A Heartfelt Thank You

Press release from the Cromaine District Library:

January 2, 2021

Cromaine Cares: A Heartfelt Thank You

As the Community Relations team approached December, we knew that we had to find creative ways to continue our holiday community outreach initiatives. We weren't sure what to expect--times are hard for everyone right now, and adding in extra steps to ensure the safety of community volunteers and Cromaine staff could have been a lack-of-convenience deterrent. I'm incredibly pleased to report that I couldn't have been further from the truth. Our patrons went above and beyond to give back in every single way!Each year, a generous patron donates a large supply of handmade ornaments for us to sell, with 100% of the proceeds going to a local nonprofit organization. This year, as in years past, we chose the Foster Closet of Michigan - Livingston County to help provide necessary clothing and furnishings to children in the Livingston County who have been placed in the foster care system. A suggested donation for each of the ornaments was $10, but because our patrons consistently surpassed that minimum marker, we were able to collect over $2,500 for foster children in our area. If you purchased one, THANK YOU!

The Livingston Women's Club also didn't allow the pandemic to deter them from giving back to families in need this holiday season. They went out to local businesses and nonprofits and asked them to find new and creative ways to post their doves, each listing a specifically-requested gift--and Cromaine answered the call for creativity! Utilizing Facebook, our Community Relations team posted each dove and worked with Circulation to make sure that the right patrons were paired with the right dove via our Curbside Service. Over 90% of our doves were claimed and returned with wrapped gifts, giving multiple families in our community a reason to smile on Christmas morning. Thank you again to everyone that claimed a dove, purchased a gift, and then wrapped and returned it! We didn't stop there! What would the holidays be without collecting new toys and games for Toys for Tots? Community Relations partnered up with the Santa himself to bring a little extra joy to kiddos who weren't able to visit the jolly man in the red suit in person. In exchange for a donation to Toys for Tots, Santa took time out of his busy schedule to write a letter to each child in the house. (He even did a special interview with the library--check it out if you missed it.) The response was wonderful.

We were able to fill four boxes to the brim with toys! "Overwhelmed" and "overjoyed" don't even come close to communicating my sentiments regarding this charitable turnout. I was told by staff that our patrons are deeply compassionate and giving, especially during this time of year, but I clearly did not fully understand the breadth or the magnitude of your generosity. To give this much in a normal year is remarkable--to give this much amidst a pandemic is extraordinary. As a Partner in Progress, our motto for Hartland Living is "A Community Connected: Inspiring a higher quality of life." As always, Hartland proved we got it right! From the bottom our collective Cromaine heart, thank you for going the extra mile to give to those in need this holiday season.

May your New Year be filled with the same hope, warmth and kindness that you have given to our community!

This press release was produced by the Cromaine District Library. The views expressed are the author's own.