By Heather Lusk
It’s a unique opportunity for preschoolers to preteens to shop independently in the safe haven of the library.
Welcome to the third annual Secret Snowflake Shop, where children can search among hundreds of donated items to find the perfect gift for family members.
The shop returning Dec. 3 benefits the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library and is coordinated by the Friends of the Library. Roughly 60 people volunteer that day, helping children shop and wrap their presents.
The cost per gift is $3, and young children can have a sibling or someone for whom the child isn’t shopping for assist them. A form filled out during registration will help volunteers assist the children in finding a special gift.
More than 900 gifts were wrapped during last year’s shop, tripling the amount from the previous year.
“This year we are prepared for an increase,” said Erin Czajkowski, president of the Friends of the Library and co-coordinator of event.
Last year some last-minute shopping was required to meet that extra demand, which was fine with Czajkowski.
“We were thrilled,” she said. “We were over the moon. I think it helps that it’s a set price. It’s easy. I think we found a niche.”
While youngsters are shopping, adults can browse the silent auction and crafts sold by the Friends. Upcycled book crafts are a big feature this year, with books converted into coasters and lamps along with books turned inside out and shaped into 3-D Christmas trees.
“All the proceeds go right back into the library,” she said,
A free holiday concert also is being held at 2 p.m. that day.
Registration is requested for the Secret Snowflake Shop through the library website, zionsvillelibrary.org.
