Boredom Buster Bags Collaboration Project

The following fun is from the WVLS (WI Valley Library Service) December 2021 newsletter edited by Jamie Matczak.

Contributed photo

Each year, the Colby Community Library sponsors a holiday service project. In 2021, community members and patrons were invited to provide items for “Boredom Buster Bags” for children undergoing medical procedures at local hospitals.

The Friends of the Colby Community Library supplied gift bags for people to take home and fill with new items for children ages 3-11. Suggested items were activity or puzzle books, games, crafts, action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, building block sets, or anything that would fit in the bag and provide entertainment. The Friends purchased new books to insert in each bag. When the bags are returned, library staff and Friends members check each bag to make sure the items are age appropriate and match the bag with a child. 

The first deliveries were made to Marshfield Medical Center and Aspirus Health in Wausau. Medical staff members were elated with the donations. So far, 72 holiday themed bags and 105 year-round bags have been delivered! Another delivery will be made at the end of December.  

Director Vicky Calmes estimates another 150 bags will be collected.

"The Colby community has been SO generous. It is unfortunate that so many bags are needed for children requiring medical care, but it is heartwarming to know patrons and staff can help make their long days more enjoyable,” she said.

For more information on this project, contact Vicky Calmes at director@colbypubliclibrary.org.