SOUTHWICK – Back by popular demand!
The Friends of the Southwick Public Library are planning the return of the holiday basket raffle. The fundraiser has become a tradition in town but organizer Pat McMahon said last year the Friends had other projects and did not conduct the raffle.
“The library staff urged us to bring it back because patrons were asking for it,” McMahon said.
The Friends are seeking contributions of gift baskets that will be displayed in the library from Nov. 13 through Dec. 19. Raffle tickets will be available at the library during this time for $1 each or six for $5.
Raffle proceeds will provide funding to the library for many of the programs and resources that are not in their general budget.
McMahon said individuals, groups, clubs and businesses are invited to contribute a gift basket.
“This is a great way to highlight and demonstrate community support. We greatly appreciate all contributions,” she said.
McMahon said while the raffle typically includes filled baskets, she encouraged people to think outside the basket.
“You don’t have to put the items in an actual basket,” said McMahon. “One year someone used a cookie sheet as the base for a baking gift.”
Past themes included a chocolate basket, quilting basket, movie night basket, and more. McMahon said the Friends would love some creative themes and some people use the baskets for their own holiday giving.
“The great thing is they are already wrapped and you can just give them as a gift,” she said.
The Friends hope to have 15-20 baskets to raffle. A list of each raffle’s contents will be included in the display.
Finished baskets may be dropped off at the library after Nov. 9 and no later than Nov. 13. The drawing is scheduled for December 19.
The Basket Maker’s packet is available at the library or in the lobby by the office of the town clerk in the Southwick Town Hall or it can be downloaded from the Friends page on the www.southwicklibrary.info website. The packet includes detailed instructions, a form for listing the contents of the basket, and a tax receipt.
