Tribune-Review – This year, a gift to the Whitehall Library goes even further and will help neighbors in need. To shine a spotlight on local businesses, the Friends of the Whitehall Library purchased $50 gift cards as part of its WPL Neighbor campaign. Anyone who donates at least $50 through May 31 will be entered into a drawing to win one of the gift cards.
If the Friends raise at least $30,000 in the campaign, they have pledged to donate to South Hills Interfaith Movement, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes resources to help people of all ages meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community.
“The Whitehall Public Library has been a wonderful partner with SHIM over the years,” said Jim Guffey, executive director of SHIM. “We are so fortunate to have a partner and neighbor who during the trying times of the pandemic has gone above and beyond to serve the Whitehall community, it’s citizens and nonprofits like SHIM.”
Additionally, $50 donors looking to honor a special teacher, coach or family member will be able to add their name on a bookplate in a specially chosen book.
“It has been a difficult year for everyone because of the pandemic, that is why we are excited to partner with some local businesses to encourage participation in our WPL Neighbor fundraising campaign,” said Tara Abbot, president of the Whitehall Library board. “Because of recent funding cuts, we wouldn’t have been able to provide all the services we did during the pandemic without patron support. This is our way of giving back to the community that has always supported us, including some great businesses.”
Selected local businesses include Rowdy BBQ, Flowers by Terry, Armstrong’s Restaurant, Spoonwood Brewing, Stonewater Salon & Spa and Double Fresh Market.
“In addition to gift cards purchased by the Friends, many of these businesses donated extra gift cards so more of our $50 dollar donors would have a chance to win a reward for their generosity,” said Barbara Duff, president of Friends of the Whitehall Library. “But if a $50 gift is too steep right now, this year, in particular, any gift of any size will make an impact for the library and, potentially, for SHIM.”
More information and can be found on the library’s website, whitehallpubliclibrary.org. Donations can also be made online at givebutter.com/WPLNeighbor.
