A new program provides free books for children of families using the Clintonville Area Food Pantry.
Kay Kuester Doran, of Clintonville, offered to lead the local “Food for the Mind” program, a national effort that she was involved with through the Rhinelander chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national society for women educators.
Doran said the program will provide the pantry with used books throughout the year and new books for children at Christmas time. She and her sister, Mary Beth Kuester, also of Clintonville, also are providing shelving for the books.
Doran and Kuester recently delivered about 300 books for preschoolers through junior high to pantry officials Joyce Keller, treasurer, and Dave Schmidt, vice president. Each child is allowed to select two books per visit.
Doran said the Food for the Mind Program serves several counties in northern Wisconsin.
“We are pleased to add this service to the Clintonville area,” said Kuester, who is donating the per diem money she receives for attending Clintonville Common Council committee meetings as an alderwoman to pay the rent for the pantry, which is housed at the city recreation center, 55 E. 12th St.
Doran said she collects used books at rummage sales and buys new books.
“I have another two boxes full in my car right now to take to the food pantry that are for preschoolers for the parents to read to their kids,” Kuester added.
Pantry officials said it serves more than 1,200 families, including 400 children, from Clintonville, Embarrass and Bear Creek.
Keller and Schmidt welcomed the program, saying volunteers and contributions are always needed.
Anyone wishing to donate new or used children’s books can drop them off at the pantry or at Kuester’s residence, 7 Eighth St. New books for the Christmas gift program are especially welcome.
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