From the Portsmouth Herald January 11, 2022
Wells Public Library Fiber Arts Group donated a variety of handmade items to Operation Warm. From left to right are: Deborah LaPointe, Cindy Appleby, Danielle DeFelice, Stefanie Claydon. Courtesy Seacoast Online.
WELLS, Maine — In anticipation of the cold winter months, the Rotary Club of Wells launched a community-based initiative called Operation Warm which provided new coats and snow pants to underserved children within the Wells Community. The project also included a collection of new hats, socks and mittens all donated by members of the community. Partnering with the York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) in Sanford, case managers from YCCAC were able to identify families in need.
Recently, the Wells Public Library Fiber Arts Group, an open drop-in program at the Library, donated a variety of handmade items to Operation Warm including mittens, scarves, hats, quilts and blankets.
“The Fiber Arts Group is one of many programs that the library offers throughout the year. This group has been going strong virtually, and now in person, throughout the pandemic and wanted to give back to the community by donating warm handmade items.” says Cindy Appleby, Director of the Wells Public Library.
The Rotary Club successfully provided more than 75 new coats and snow pants to children in Wells and through the generous support of the community, donors and supporters, hundreds of pairs of socks, mittens and hats were donated as well.
“Successfully tackling this project meant providing a community response to the critical need of children in the Wells area. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of generosity from community members such as the Fiber Arts Group at the Wells Public Library. Their handmade items were a wonderful addition to the Operation Warm Initiative” says Danielle DeFelice, President, Rotary Club of Wells.
For more information about programs offered at the Wells Public Library visit www.wellslibrary.org or visit www.wellsrotary.org to learn more about Operation Warm.