The Okotoks Public Library is hoping members of the community will contribute their pocket change to a good cause.
On April 4, which is also Library Giving Day, the library is set to launch the Every Nickel Counts fundraising campaign.
The initiative will run through April with the aim of raising enough money to purchase the BrainFuse online tutoring program.
"This year we decided to hold the Every Nickel Counts campaign because we really want to bring BrainFuse to the community," said library director Sarah Gillie.
Not only does the online tutoring program cater to those in elementary, junior and high school, but it also teaches English language programs and resume building.
"It's really able to assist with so many different groups in the community with benefits so that's why we decided to fundraise for BrainFuse," Gillie added.
The hope is that $3,000 can be raised to purchase the program and run it for a year, with subsequent fundraisers to keep it going into the future.
Members of the community are encouraged to bring in their jars of change, piggybanks, boxes, bags – even socks full of coins – to drop into the little red collection barn.
"The little red barn is very popular with children and they love to throw a few quarters in there, so we felt this campaign allows everyone, no matter how old you are, to participate, whether you're dropping off a nickel, a dollar, $20 or more, everybody can contribute," said Gillie.
She added the library has been lucky to receive continuing support from the community since preparing to move into the Arts and Learning Campus a year and a half ago, but efforts have largely been focused on large-dollar donations.
"We do recognize that not everyone can contribute large sums of money to the library. But even if you can just drop off a dollar, a couple of dollars, every nickel counts," Gillie said. "We appreciate every single dollar that people donate to the library because it all goes back into the community. It allows us to run programs, increase our collection and just benefit the public."
The library is constantly fundraising to help run programs and expand its collection and is always in need of additional sponsors.
Gillie said those interested in becoming a library sponsor can contact her directly or visit okotokslibrary.ca.
