Last weekend, the Westport Library held its annual holiday book and gift sale. As always, it was a smash.
The success of these sales — winter and summer — depends on generous donations of materials from the community.
Yet nothing would happen without volunteers. For the most recent event, 108 volunteers donated their time and energy. All worked hard.
But late Sunday afternoon, near closing time, the teen volunteers went above and beyond.
Henry Potter
The story starts with Henry Potter. He’s a project manager for Builders Beyond Borders, and for several years has overseen B3 teen volunteers at the book sales.
Through his own very high standard of working hard, Henry sets an excellent example for the group. He always does it with a smile.
During the recent Transformation Project, book donations were accepted in a temporary construction trailer on Jesup Green. The “drive up, drop off” experience was so positive for patrons, staff and volunteers that the library built a permanent annex in the Levitt parking lot, to accept and process donations.
For the past 2 months of construction, however, the library had to stop accepting contributions. Thanks to Henry and the teen volunteers though, the new book donation annex will be open starting next Wednesday (December 4).
Mimi Greenlee, co-chair of the book sale, says, “We knew this was going to require a great deal of manpower, not only to move the items, but also to shelve the books in the correct categories. Henry happily agreed to set his team on this project.
“In 2 hours they accomplished what would have take us days. And they did it with smiling faces and great attitudes.”
Builders Beyond Borders volunteers get the donation annex ready.
B3 has done plenty of good work overseas. Last weekend, they helped out right in their own back yard.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net. Hat tip: Rachel Reese Pegnataro.)
I have the pleasure of working with Henry at the B3 office. He is a a great and caring person with a passion for helping the community near and far. Congratulations Henry!
Thanks to all of the amazing volunteers that helped at the book sale, young and old. Kudos to Henry, I could not have done it without him and his leadership!