«My children gained so much from all the wonderful programs

Sometimes simple gifts are best

FITCHBURG When Fitchburg Public Library lost its accreditation in 2008, Mary Willoughby decided to join the board of the Friends of the Library with the serious intention helping in any way possible.

«Fundraising seemed uk canada goose outlet the most important thing to do at that time,» says Mary, a Fitchburg resident. «So I came up with the idea of a hand knit scarf sale.»

Scarves are so popular as a fashion accessory and a functional necessity, Mary says, and «because lots of women enjoy knitting for charity, I put two and two together and decided official canada goose outlet to name this venture after my mother Nancy (Keenan) O’Neil.»

«My mother was an avid knitter and a voracious reader,» Mary says with a smile, «and she just loved the library. Before my mother passed away canada goose outlet shop in 2003, she asked if instead of flowers for her funeral, that people would donate to the Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library.»

That is when The Nancy Project was created.

Mary’s family and friends got busy knitting scarves, hats, mittens and baby blankets, and https://www.naslsoccerbowl.com sold them at the library.

The first year, they raised $1,600, and that was all that was needed to give Mary the inspiration to continue her mother’s legacy with this annual project.

«The first couple of years, we continued to knit all sorts of items,» Mary canada goose outlet uk sale says. «However, not everyone is a knitter, and as the word spread of our work, more local craftspeople wanted to contribute.

«The fundraiser is held once a year and offers very reasonably priced handmade gifts and raffles,» Mary says.

This year’s sale begins Monday, Dec. 11, and continues through Saturday, canada goose outlet canada Dec. 23, at the library, located at canada goose outlet 610 Main St., during regular library hours. The library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 16, for repairs to the heating system.

«People love to come to buy a handmade gift with the knowledge that all the proceeds benefit canada goose outlet store uk the library,» Mary says. «And the sale is always held just in time for holiday canada goose black friday sale gift shopping.»

The Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library proudly donates about $10,000 yearly to Sharon Bernard, library director. «We’ve also bought special items for the library, like the telescope, a baby changing station, a game and Canada Goose Online video and DVD entertainment center, helmets and locks for the cheap canada goose uk new bicycle program and much more.»

«The library is happy to have the Friends of the Fitchburg Public Library’s Nancy Project, a pop up gift shop, in the library for a few weeks before Christmas,» Sharon says. «It brings in lots of people who are able to purchase handmade items for gifts for their families and friends.

«The purchase prices are reasonable, and all proceeds directly benefit the library.»

Mary also points out that it’s not just Fitchburg residents who make items.

«People who grew up in Fitchburg send things for the sale from very far canada goose factory sale away,» she says. «You never Canada Goose sale know the lasting impression the library makes on people.»

There are usually about canada goose outlet toronto factory 50 people who contribute, and many continue year after year.

«And so, of course, I am always hoping new knitters, stitchers, quilters and woodworkers canada goose outlet online uk will make something for the sale,» Mary adds. «People bring new items almost every day during the sale. Even on the last day we get new items.»

Mary wants all the crafters out there to know there is still time to make something to contribute to The Nancy Project (hint, hint).

«How about just one nice, long, colorful scarf?» Mary says, «It doesn’t need to be fancy. Simple gifts are the best gifts for this special time of the canada goose outlet jackets year.»

People love to give to the library, and visitors who buy the gifts love that all the money goes to the library.

«The cash donation from the Friends to the library is used for programming for adults, teens and children, to pay for new technologies, such as the goose outlet canada 3 D printer, cheap canada goose VR glasses, and canada goose clearance sale iPads for the Youth Library, and for the museum/event passes,» Sharon says. «We are lucky to have so many talented and creative people in the community who are willing to share their work with the Friends.»

«I just love the library,» Mary says enthusiastically. «My children gained so much from all the wonderful programs and books to read in canada goose outlet new york city the Youth Library. Free public libraries are very important to any community.» canada goose canada goose coats on sale outlet online.