The Airdrie Public Library (APL) is offering free holiday card-making kits to take home starting Dec. 10, as a way to spread Christmas cheer to young and old alike during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Eric Pottie, programming and customer engagement manager for the library, the idea stemmed from the APL Teen Advisory Council’s monthly brainstorming sessions.
The council, comprised of a group of Airdrie teenagers, gets together each month to discuss things they would like to see added to the library or activities they would like to participate in, said Pottie.
He added the teens provide useful insight and inspiration to increase engagement in the community, particularly among young people, and the holiday card project is a prime example of that.
“It’s trying to connect people who may not have been getting cards or getting all that family connection right now with the pandemic,” he said.
The take-home kits include blank cards and small decorative items to beautify them with. Participants are encouraged to write a cheery holiday message inside the card, and then bring them back to the library by Dec. 16.
The library will then take the cards to senior homes in Airdrie to “spread the holiday cheer.”
According to Pottie, there are no eligibility requirements to pick up a kit, and anybody can do so, young or old.
“Adults as well, if they want to come and sign a card, they’re more than welcome to come to the library,” he said. “Just ask for a holiday card and they’ll be able to pick one up and fill it out.”
He added the initiative is an attempt to bring uplifting messages and kindhearted notes to the demographic that has been most affected by isolation during the pandemic – senior citizens.
“The last almost two years now, it’s been rough. It’s been a lot of isolation,” he said. “We know that this may be a very difficult time of year for some people, so it’s always nice to get those messages.”
He added, as a large force within the community, the library hopes to foster a sense of togetherness among its members.
“We’re big believers in the community,” he said. “We’re trying to do our part to help make these connections and to be able to get these people together and show that we’re all thinking of each other, and the community here in Airdrie.”
Pottie added youth have also been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as socializing has become increasingly difficult due to repeated disruptions to regular schooling and extra-curricular activities.
“This is a great way to still make those connections from youth to seniors here in our own little community,” he said.
The library is also planning to set up a table at the Airdrie Festival of Lights on Dec. 14, offering a chance to decorate or sign a card right then and there, rather than picking up a kit at the library.
“While they’re already out with their family walking around, if they want to come decorate and sign a card, then [that’s] great,” Pottie said. “We’re making some crosswords and [games] to go along with them.”
He added the Teen Advisory Council is also looking for new members to provide valuable insight. He encourages young people in Airdrie to consider joining the monthly group meetings.
“[It’s] a free thing people can do when it counts as volunteer hours,” he said. “So, if there are teens who are looking to get out and volunteer, this is a pretty easy volunteer position they’re more than welcome to participate in.”
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
