I’ve been spending a lot of time at StarShine lately and
loving it. Each time I’m there I see an amazing amount of progress as the
school settles in at the new location.
It looks as though it has been there much longer than 5 weeks, including
the Christmas holiday.
As the volunteer librarian, I am concentrating on getting the
libraries up and running. Yes, you read that right – libraries plural. We now
have the space to have two libraries. One will provide books and a reading nook
for the kindergarten through fifth grade students. The other will serve the
middle school through high school students.
To fully understand how excited I am about this, check my post titled, “Lois’s Library A La Carte.”
The two libraries are in separate buildings, so, there is a
lot of “toing and froing” moving books into the correct library. All of the
books are still in boxes and some shelving needs to be assembled. Both
libraries have been painted and are fresh, airy and ready for the extra
bookshelves, books and kids.
I am receiving the greatest help from my two friends, Helen
and Pat, who both volunteer their time, organizational skills and sometimes
their muscles. Two of us are in our 80’s and the other almost there. I think
this is a testament to my belief that 80 is the new 60, but only if you spend
time in service to others. Being around children, especially Kids WithoutStuff, keeps you young and vibrant.
Of course, young and vibrant as we are, we don’t haul heavy
boxes filled with books around the campus. The high school boys are pleased and
strong enough to give us a helping hand.
Helen, Pat and I will be working two days a week to make the
libraries a haven for readers and a welcoming place for non-readers. StarShine
always operates on a short budget, so when we are not working at the school we
will be out and about looking for donations.
By Lois Jamieson
If you enjoyed this inspiring story at volunteering at Kids
Without Stuff, you’ll want to read:
