From Children to Children

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Volunteer Program recently won two awards from the National Association of Counties (NaCo) for its Children’s Letter Writing Campaign.  The project won the Achievement Award in the Volunteer Category and Best of Category Award.    During the summer of 2009, children visiting the library had the chance to practice their writing skills by composing letters of support to children of deployed military personnel. Children’s librarians incorporated the Children’s Letter Writing Campaign into summer vacation programs by creating a station where paper, pens and crayons were available, along with drop boxes for children to "mail" their letters. A reading list of relevant children’s books was also developed. Over 200 children wrote letters during the campaign, which gave them a chance to think not just about what other children face but also how important (and fun) volunteering can be.The program supports President Obama’s United We Serve initiative, with its national focus on volunteerism.