Friday, November 6, 2026
The North Bellmore Public Library brought community members of all ages together Oct. 17 to spread kindness and brighten the lives of local seniors through The Great Give Back, a statewide initiative encouraging libraries and their patrons to give back through community service.
The event, held in the library’s Community Room, brought volunteers together to assemble 50 care kits for residents of Meadow Brook Care Center in Freeport, filled with personal care items, handmade gifts and messages of encouragement.
The kits included miniature canvas paintings created and donated by library patrons and members of the Drop-In Painting group, led by Josephine Parlagreco. Members of the Crafted with Love Knitting and Crochet group, led by Stasie McArthur, contributed handmade crocheted tissue packet holders and individual tissue packs.
Additional items included cozy socks, hard candies, playing cards, large-print crossword puzzle books and personal care essentials. Library staff worked with the care facility to identify residents' needs and select items that would be most appreciated.
“When we conceptualized this program, never did we imagine the beautiful outpouring of love and support that would come from people woven into the fabric of what NBPL truly stands for — community,” said Jessica Tymecki, the library's director. “To see individuals selflessly give of their time and talents to add something unique and special to what we were doing brought me to tears.”
Children, teens and adults also created handmade greeting cards, decorating them with personal messages to accompany the care packages.
Nancy DeLuca, the library's head of teen services, who organizes its annual Great Give Back initiative, said the goal was to remind nursing home residents that their community cares about them.
“The goal was to create something that would bring a smile to a nursing home resident’s face, whether it’s their birthday or simply an ordinary day when they could use a little extra cheer,” DeLuca said. “We wanted to do something special for the senior community and remind them that they are thought of, appreciated, and loved.”
The completed care kits will be delivered to Meadow Brook Care Center, extending the library's community service efforts beyond its doors.
For more information about North Bellmore Public Library and its programs, visit www.northbellmorelibrary.org or call (516) 785-6260.
