The BIG Read in our Communities
One goal of The BIG Read is to offer support to our surrounding communities. Currently, The BIG Read has two outreach initiatives: The BIG READing Shelf and The BIG Blanket Tie. For more information, see below.
The BIG READing Shelf
This project was developed by the Owens Community College Big Read Committee with the goal of connecting families with books in our community. The BIG READing Shelf revitalizes bookshelves, fills them with books and donates them for adults and children to read and enjoy while they are staying at a shelter, a daycare or just in a waiting room. By utilizing donated bookshelves and books, this venture guarantees a smile to all – those who donate items and those who are sure to find what will become their favorite book on one of these shelves!
BIG READing Shelves can be found at the following organizations.
- Afterschool All-Starts, an after-school program at Reynolds Elementary School
- Cherry Street Mission
- Family House
- La Posada Family Shelter
- Lucas County Ohio Means Jobs
- Zepf Center
The BIG READing Shelf at the Zepf Center. Pictured from left to right are Mary Schmidt, CSU Manager, Zepf Center; Jen Hazel; Jane Berger and Chelsea Witt, CSU Recreation Therapist, Zepf Center.
The BIG READing Shelf at Ohio Means Jobs. Pictured from left to right are Jen Hazel; Jane Berger; Alias Nemer, Lucas County Ohio Means Jobs and Mary Millenbach, Ohio Means Jobs.
The BIG READing Shelf at the La Posada Family Center. Pictured from left to right are Cory Hoover; Jen Hazel; Jane Berger and Willi Meyer, La Posada.
The BIG READing Shelf at the Afterschool All Stars afterschool program at Reynolds Elementary School. Pictured from left to right are Jen Hazel; Aly Rumer, Afterschool All Stars and Jane Berger.
The BIG Blanket Tie
Love that cozy feeling when wrapped in a soft blanket? Get the “feel good” sense when you know you’ve helped someone? By combining these two elements, it’s win-win for the maker, giver and recipient!
Working together, the Center of Campus and Community Connections and The Big Read is organizing the opportunity for the Owens campus community to make fleece blankets that will be donated to area agencies.
On December 15, 2021 Jane Berger and Shayna Krasula, Honors Program Student, delivered 30 blankets to students at an after-school program at Reynolds Elementary School as part of the BIG Blanket Tie.
Want to participate?
To participate in this outreach by donating a bookshelf, books, and/or fleece and/or making a blanket, please contact Jen Hazel at jennifer_hazel@owens.edu or Jane Berger at jane_berger2@owens.edu.