Things will get twinkly at the Nelson Library on Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m. with A Winter Celebration.
Nine local readers bring light to the darker days, and good music and food round out this benefit for the Nelson Food Cupboard. Admission is by monetary donation to the Nelson Food Cupboard Society.
“There’s a long tradition of winter readings at the library,” says Adult Services coordinator Anne DeGrace. “It’s great to bring that tradition back — and give to a great community cause at the same time.”
Readers include Jane Byers, Jennifer Craig, Linda Crosfield, Ernest Hekkanen, Rita Moir, Mark Nykanen, Cyndi Sand-Eveland, Tom Wayman, and Anne DeGrace.
Musician Danielle Corbin provides twinkly piano tunes, and Otter Books will be on hand with a portion of book sales earmarked for the Food Cupboard.
Hot apple cider, tea and cookies, and door prizes make this a warm, cozy gathering with a few surprises.
“We have poets, novelists, creative non-fiction writers and children’s writers on the list,” says DeGrace. “In a way, it’s a taste of Nelson’s writing culture. Gingerbread is a bonus.”
The Nelson Food Cupboard provides barrier-free access to healthy food for local folks having trouble making ends meet.
Serving more than 1,000 people monthly, the Food Cupboard operates on the principle that access to food is a basic human right.
“Donations tend to spike at Christmas time, which is wonderful and reflects Nelson residents’ genuine concern for their neighbours,” says Nelson Food Cupboard Society (NFCS) coordinator Kim Charlesworth.
“This year, we’re launching our monthly giving campaign, encouraging donors to consider giving a small amount monthly. People are hungry all year round.”
She adds that all donations are welcome, while monetary donations enable NFCS to more effectively meet their mandate of providing a variety of healthy foods, including fresh produce.
NFCS volunteers will be on hand to help register monthly donors with Canada Helps. Monthly donations make it possible for the Food Cupboard to effectively feed families and individuals 12 months of the year. For more information on the Nelson Food Cupboard go to www.foodcupboard.org.
The Nelson Library’s annual Fines for Food day takes place during regular hours on the 17th. All fines for late materials collected on that day directly benefit the Food Cupboard.