WESTFIELD-Donations of “gently used, very clean” toys, games, puzzles, sporting goods and books are sought by the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum for its fourth annual Children’s & Young Adult Toy & Book Sale.
The annual fall fundraiser is slated Nov. 16-18 in the Lang Auditorium of the Athenaeum, with a preview night for Friends’ members on Nov. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Although all donations of children’s toys and books are very much needed, we are particularly interested in books, games, and other items that would be of interest to young adults,” said Bill Westerlind, president of the Friends group.
Sale hours are Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Westerlind noted that next month’s event is expanding its sales offerings to meet the needs of not only children but also young adults who might be interested in YA book titles, CD’s, DVD’s, card games, puzzles and small electronics.
“As this fall fundraiser has grown over the years, it plays an increasingly important role in our portfolio of annual fundraising activity,” said Westerlind. “While our annual spring book sale remains our signature fundraising event, sales have declined over the years because less and less printed books are published each year so our donations for re-sale have declined.”
Westerlind added that the mix of toys and books for sale for the fall event offsets some of those declines in book sales.
“The other key consideration is many of our community members have come to rely on this sale for holiday gift items,” said Westerlind. “The prices are very affordable and all proceeds support the many free programs and services offered by the Westfield Athenaeum throughout the year.”
Donations can be dropped off through Nov. 15 during regular Athenaeum hours at the donation box next to the main circulation desk. In addition, arrangements can be made for donations to be picked up by calling (413) 568-7833. Friends members will also offer curbside drop-off services in front of the Athenaeum on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Receipts will be available for the tax-deductible donations.
“Generous donations made this event a great success in 2016,” said Westerlind. “Help us make it even better in 2017.”
