As we draw near to the end of the year, many in our community will turn their focus to celebrations and times of giving. Again, the library will celebrate that spirit of giving in November and December with our Season of Giving initiative. Happenings include partnering with local organizations for donation drives and programs. Look for donation collection spots at both the Noblesville Library and the Fishers Library throughout November and December.
Donation Drives
Socks, winter hats, and gloves
Support those in need in our community this season by donating new socks, winter hats, and mittens/gloves (in all sizes). Donated items from the Fishers Library will go to the Delaware Township Trustee’s office for distribution, and donated items from the Noblesville Library will go to the Noblesville Township Trustee’s office for distribution.
Period products
HamCoLove is a local organization striving to end period poverty in Hamilton County. Part of their mission is “to provide necessary period care products to Hamilton County, IN residents.” HEPL will be collecting items from HamCoLove’s wish lists throughout November and December. Wish lists are featured here: Target, Amazon, Walmart. If you would like to donate directly to HamCoLove, they accept Venmo: @HamCoLove. Learn more about this organization at HamCoLove.com.
Diapers
We are partnering with the Indiana Diaper Bank and hosting a diaper drive, too! Did you know 1 in 3 families cannot afford enough clean diapers for their children? When you donate diapers, you will be helping local infants get the healthy start they deserve in life. The diaper bank accepts all sizes of diapers and even open/partial packs!
Letter Writing Campaigns
Operation Gratitude | November 1 – November 30
Show your gratitude for our troops, veterans, wounded heroes, and first responders by writing a letter or drawing a picture! Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ Care Packages each year to Deployed Troops, Veterans, Recruit Graduates, First Responders, and Wounded Heroes and their Caregivers. Of all the items included in the Care Packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation! If you don’t have time to write a letter in the library, you can also drop off unsealed letters and cards at the Season of Giving letter station.
Assisted Living | December 1 – December 15
This December, we are celebrating our annual Season of Giving with a letter writing campaign! Drop by either library location to write letters of kindness, encouragement, and cheer for our local community members in assisted living facilities. If you don’t have time to write a letter in the library, you can also drop off unsealed letters and cards at the Season of Giving letter station. Your compassion and encouragement can be a source of light and warmth in these cold winter months!
Stitch-a-Thon | December 2 | Noblesville
Drop in any time from 10am to 4pm and help make baby blankets or hats. Crochet or knit, bring your own materials or use some of ours, stay for an hour or the whole time! There will be guides and tutorials spread throughout the day for those just learning or needing a refresher on how to crochet or knit! Items created will be donated to local families and newborns in need.
Bringing your own yarn? Remember that newborns have incredibly sensitive skin. The yarn needs to be smoke-free and fur-free. It also needs to be soft, not scratchy, and machine washable (so no wool yarn). Yarn weight can vary as long as the patterns used are not loose or lacy. Some common yarn brands that make special yarns for babies include Bernat, Lion Brand, Baby Cuddles, and Caron. But really, any brand will do!
Maker-in-Residence: Spread the Joy: Combine Art and the Written Word for Seniors in Need | December 2 & December 5 | Ignite Studio
In this holiday-themed workshop, creators of all ages are encouraged to stop in to brighten the day of a senior in need. We will be creating hand-made cards for seniors in this family-oriented workshop. We will provide a list of seniors or come with a list of your own!
Life Skills: Sewing Basics for Teens | December 3 | Fishers
Learn basic sewing skills using the sewing machines in the Ignite Studio! You’ll learn how to follow a basic pattern to make a pillowcase using provided materials. For teens only.
Maker-in-Residence: Making Holiday Gifts | December 4, December 7, & December 9 | Ignite Studio
In this holiday-themed workshop, newcomers and veterans to zines alike create a zine to give to a loved one for the holidays. Whether it’s a family story to pass on, something you want to say to your loved one in poetry form, or an innovation on your new year’s letter, this workshop is your opportunity to inject some creativity to the holiday shopping rush. We will break down different construction methods, create rough drafts to iron out the details, and get you started on making the final product.
Drop-In Activity: Stenciled Gift Tags | December 4 – December 17 | Ignite Studio
Drop into Ignite to create personalized gift tags. Using ink and stencils, create winter themed labels for gift giving. Step-by-step instruction sheets will help you in this self-guided activity. Materials will be available in Ignite while supplies last. Ages 5 and up.
Community Blood Drive | December 7 | Noblesville
Give the gift of blood this season! Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins will be processed only if time allows. Bring your photo ID and make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Each donor will receive free HEPL swag and a free book!
(Cookie) Bar Crawl | December 9 | Fishers
The Season of Giving would not be complete without plenty of baked goods to share with friends and family! Join HEPL and local bakers as we share favorite recipes for all things bars – cookie bars, brownies, rice krispies, and other bite-size delectable treats! Bakers will submit their baked good to the competition, and judges will do a (cookie) bar crawl to sample each delight and crown a baking winner! Bakers can also enter as Judges, though of course they cannot rate their own treat! If you wish to judge in this competition, please register separately as a Judge. Adults only, please. Please note that, while we will do our best to label all dishes with their contents, there is a possibility of cross-contamination. Use caution and consider not joining this event if you have a major food allergy.
Crafty Teens: Felted Ornaments | December 11 at Noblesville & December 13 at Fishers
Using just a needle and wool, create your own miniature felted ornaments! Keep them for yourselves or share them for the Season of Giving. For teens only. All supplies provided.
The Best Gift to Give (Kadampa Meditation Center series) | December 18 | Virtual
We know how to give material things to people during this season. But, this type of happiness is not lasting. In this class, we will discuss and meditate on how to give permanent happiness to others. There will be two guided meditations along with a talk and Q&A. No experience necessary. Presented by Fred May with Kadampa Meditation Center Indianapolis.
To participate in any Season of Giving programs, you may register on our online Calendar of Events. We hope you will celebrate this Season of Giving with us at HEPL!