Started by librarians in Suffolk and Nassau counties in 2017, the Great Give Back is a community service initiative providing a way for library patrons to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. The program continues to grow, with over 200 NY libraries participating this year.

There are over twenty libraries participating from the Ramapo Catskill Library System this year with projects ranging from food and pet supply drives to TerraCycle recycling programs. Below are some of the programs happening at the SUPLA (Sullivan Ulster Public Library Alliance) libraries that you can take part in.

Mamakating Library is participating in the TerraCycle collection for the Great Give Back. This program involves collecting typically nonrecyclable items and, with the help of leading manufacturers, turning them into new products. Mamakating Library will be collecting items for three different TerraCycle brigades: Colgate, Gillette and Nordstrom. Visit mamakatinglibrary.org for details on what they are accepting.

Ellenville Public Library and Museum is running a Donations of Dignity drive to collect personal care items that will be donated to local food pantries. It’s running through October 30th, and this year they have a local coffee shop, Twin Ravens Coffee Company, helping out with a box in their shop and a 5% discount for patrons that leave a donation there.

Western Sullivan Public Library is also collecting essentials for local pantries through mid-November. The library is collecting donations of new items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, hairbrushes, and cleaning supplies that will be distributed to neighbors in need. Bins are at their branches in Callicoon, Jeffersonville and Narrowsburg.

Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello, in coordination with their Friends of the Library group, planned a Litter Pluck of Broadway for October 13th. The Friends of the Library partnered with the Upper Delaware Council through use of their Litter Pluck Kits, obtained by the UDC through Sullivan Renaissance Healthy Communities Initiative grant funding. Their project helps support a beautiful Broadway.

To learn more about The Great Give Back and to see which libraries across the state are participating, visit thegreatgiveback.org.