Bookcases: Donnie Ward

The first time I was asked to help with this project I knew very little about why or for whom these were being built but when friends and fellow church members ask for help I try to find a way to assist. And building things, especially out of wood, is one thing I enjoy doing and have some level of skill to perform. So when Kevin Allen asked if I could help him build 35 bookcases on a Saturday I said sure! 

I don’t think either of us had a good idea of how long this would take and fairly soon we realized the two of us would not be able to finish this task in the amount of time we had to ensure they were ready for delivery. That’s when Linda started making phone calls to see who could come lend a hand with sanding, assembly and the final step of staining. The response was overwhelming. A steady stream of people started showing up, grabbing sanders and sandpaper, assembly was complete and everyone took a few home to stain and dry and brought them all back the next weekend for Linda to deliver to the school. During all this I learned these were to be given to the North Hi-Mount 5^th grade graduates along with a supply of books that they could call their very own, all to encourage them to continue reading after they left North Hi-Mount. What a Great Idea!

That was 5 years ago and I have been involved with this event ever since and plan to continue as long as possible. The number of bookcases we make has increased over the years to the point where we are building over 60 each year now, which is a daunting task but also a testament to the success of this program. Over the years we have used various places to build the bookcases and I have been blessed to have built a shop at my home that serves well for this project.  For the past few years we have enlisted many from the church to come out and help cut, sand, assemble and stain and the response is always outstanding and a great way to meet and learn about different members of the church.

I have never actually attended one of the graduation events but the stories I hear from Linda about the excitement these 5^th graders have when they get to pick up their very own bookcase lets me know that is truly a successful and positive activity, and one that I am very proud to be a part of. I did deliver the bookcases to the school one year early the morning of graduation as all of the students were arriving and I was asked several times by a very excited young person as I was unloading them if they would get a bookcase next year. This was a 4^th grader who was already looking forward to the time when they would get their bookcase.

I think it’s safe to say this project is having a very positive impact on the lives of those we touch with this gift – the students, families, teachers and those that provide their time and resources to make this happen every year.