Seeing a need, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library employees and patrons are no strangers to jump in to lend a helping hand.
Throughout the month of October, the library will be accepting personal hygiene items and cold weather-orientated items for homeless individuals in the community.
“I’ve only been here for four weeks, but I’ve already met four homeless people,” said Community Resource Specialist Becca Dugger. “It’s a need we have, and we’re hoping to do our part to help.”
Dugger stated the donation drive at the library started Monday, Oct. 2 and concludes at the end of the month. Library patrons can bring in a variety of items, including soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, gloves, scarves, hats and fleece blankets.
Patrons can provide some goodwill, and those with some fines can also take advantage of the drive, according to Dugger.
“For every two items donated, they can get a dollar off a fine,” she explained. “We’re able to do this for up to $4.”
Staying active in the community is nothing too out of the ordinary for the library staff and patrons alike. Even though the primary focus continues on books and education, the public library also tends to be a hub for different community-based activities and events.
“We have a lot of unique stuff going on here,” Dugger said. “We have some different ideas coming up. We’re hoping to highlight different businesses in the area, have a health fair and even look at displaying art from some of our local artists.“
For more information about upcoming events at the library, visit the library’s Facebook page or call (423) 547-6360.