11:36 am ‘Raise Your Hand’ aims to increase level of volunteerism at library
By Ashley Rader
Thursday offered a full day of activities for visitors to the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library. In partnership with the United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County, the library hosted “Raise Your Hand, Fun Day at the Library!”
Photo by Brandon Hicks
Cory Paulson and the Chick-fil-A Cow read books to the children taking part in the “Raise Your Hand” event.
The event was held most of the operating day last Thursday at the library from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers were present at the library throughout the day and read books to participating children. In addition to hearing stories read by the volunteer readers, children had the option to visit with therapy dog Bear, make bookmarks and have their faces painted. The Elizabethton Twins Mascot Rookie and the Chick-fil- A Cow also made a visit to “Raise Your Hand” to read to the children.
Photo by Brandon Hicks
Seven-year-old Julia Calhoun reads with therapy dog Bear during the “Raise Your Hand” event.
Kathy Whitehead, Bear’s owner and handler, explained that Bear, who is a 15-month-old Great Pyrenees, had been working as a therapy dog since April 11 when he received his certification. In addition to reading with children, he visits nursing homes and takes part in community events such as Vacation Bible Schools.
Photo by Brandon Hicks
Volunteer Morgan Trussler gives Felicity Benson a face painting at the “Raise Your Hand” event at the library.
Children’s Librarian Ashlee Williams said the goal was to make “Raise Your Hand” an annual event at the library and to get members of the community interested in volunteering with children throughout the year.
Photo by Brandon Hicks
Gavin Stonestreet gives the Chick-fil-A Cow a high five during the Raise Your Hand event at the Elizabethton Carter County Public Library. Gavin is the Cow’s biggest fan and even owns a small stuffed cow that he carries with him everywhere he goes. He loves getting to meet his favorite bovine spokesperson whenever possible.
“It is a way to get people involved with the children, either by tutoring them or mentoring them,” Williams said.
Williams said she was pleased with the participation in the event and noted there was a large crowd waiting for the first session to begin at 10:30.
She noted the United Way would have more information about volunteering in the community to help children through the schools, the library or other organizations.
The event at the Elizabethton library was part of a statewide program called Raise Your Hand Tennessee Day of Action that was sponsored by the United Ways of Tennessee and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The goal was to recruit volunteers who will “raise their hand” to read to, tutor or mentor kids.
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