We are RAISING the Possibilities...

With a Temperature of 7...

7? That sounds cold...but actually, it is our "just right!"

We've been doing the numbers...and 7 appears to be our LUCKY number!

We are turning 7 on March 4.

In 7 years, we have invited CHILDREN to choose MANY books to keep –

OVER 377,000 books!

AND

In 7 years, we have distributed

OVER 71,000 PoWeR! Literacy Bags

filled with materials to encourage language, play, writing, creativity, and interactions!

YOU know this is all happening and continuing to grow

because of YOUR efforts!

Through your donations of time, energy, and funding, we have been able to make an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of children in Michigan.

The more that we can increase children’s access to materials for playing, writing, and reading at home, the more likely it is that language, literacy, and human interactions will occur.

And the more that this happens, the more children's brains will grow and make the connections needed for

thinking, problem solving, and life-long learning!

 We are raising the possibilities for life success for each child who receives the on-going gift of our materials!

...With A Flurry of Volunteers!

 Our Volunteers are the PoWeR! behind the organization!

We've been hard at work all over the state this winter!

Between Work Bees at the Otsego United Way RSVP, Sticker-a-thons at Grace Episcopal Church, the Leelanau Democrats Volunteer Days at our SB site, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Days at our SB site, the Wondrous Work Bees in Ludington filling bags, new volunteers from NMC, and at-home volunteers, our volunteer power is keeping us going through these cold days of winter.

There are also groups that have been forming throughout the communities

in which we serve that

emit their own extraordinary energy!
 

A large group of volunteers gather each week in Leland to sew hundreds of bags for PoWeR!. Their dedication is incredible. This week, during a snowy day, one volunteer brought her heavy sewing machine and pulled it up the driveway by sled… just to sew a few more hundred bags!!

...And a STORM of GRATITUDE!

Our little friends AND our Community Partners notice the work that we do...

They LOVE the books and materials!

Recently, as we were completing grant reports, we asked one of our Health Department Partners if she had any good stories. Here is her reply:

"There are so many positive stories and feedback from the families that are receiving the books. One of my favorites is a little boy who is 5. Every time I get there he asks, "Did you bring me a book?" And I give it to him, and he immediately sits down with his 12-month-old sister and will start reading to her like he is her teacher. Even though he can't read, he makes up stories from the pictures. Then when I leave, he always reminds me not to forget his books:)

The books are a treat for the children in the community. Even if the parents don't read to them, they read to each other and explore the stories through pictures. You are a true blessing. Thank you so much."

Tina Edmonds, RN, BSN

Maternal Infant Health Program

Our Friends at the Schools are also appreciative. Here are a few of their letters:
 

And a Change in Wind Direction

We're so fortunate! We have a new part time employee in the north!

Please help us welcome Beth.

"My name is Beth Marshall, and I am now the Northern Michigan Coordinator for PoWeR! Book Bags. I am a retired teacher of 32 years, and during my tenure I taught pre-school thru third grade. My passion has always been literacy and much of my experience in the school setting has revolved around early literacy and children who struggle to learn to read. I am excited to join the mission here at PoWeR! Book Bags to increase children's experiences with language, literacy, and human interactions to better understand themselves, communicate with others, and connect with the world.

On a personal note, I am a new grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter, and I spend part of my retired time traveling back and forth to Grand Rapids to spend time with her. I am also married to my husband, Rich, and we make our home in Gaylord. Our two wonderful daughters and son-in-law all live and work in Grand Rapids.

I am looking forward to working with PoWeR! Book Bags and promoting literacy here in Northern Michigan."

Stay Tuned!

With Mid-March comes the return of regular Volunteer Office Hours! We will be very busy stickering and packing books for school friends for the end of March deliveries. If you are interested in helping with stickering, packing, or delivering to schools, please let us know at kara@powerbookbags.org