Soon between the two of us we had distributed the books into twenty-one baskets, all professionally arranged in appropriate filler with related products and shrink-wrapped with matching professionally-made bows! Each basket was accompanied by Descriptions listing the products and giving information about the titles, authors and, in some cases, publishers. I am sending a basket example picture so you will know that your donation was not taken lightly and much work went into its presentation. We worked probably about 80 hours combined to make these beautiful. We wanted you to be proud. I have benefited more than anyone from this. I feel grandly loved and supported and have learned to make baskets and bows!
As more and more books arrived, more neighbors and arts alliance members joined in to help. I had purchased a number of baskets/containers, ribbons, filler material, and products…but they were far from enough. About 12 neighbors plus many arts alliance people donated color-coordinating note cards; soaps; toys; candles; cosmetics; cheese knives; towels; filler; etc. The few hundred dollars investment I had made in spotlighting this arts alliance as one of my this year’s charities soon was multiplied 10-fold. One neighbor gave four coordinated Vera Bradley products to a basket; a dentist donated a $400 teeth whitening to a basket that contained self-care books; Days Inn and Suites, a Jekyll Island motel answered my plea for something to go with beach reads with a two-night stay;Atlanta Motor Speedway gave NASCAR tickets to go with the racing books I donated and my auctioning off of a former NASCAR Champion for lunch and conversation at a restaurant that donated 2 buffets. A publisher agreed to be auctioned off for questions and answers with the writing books basket. A gift shop contributed a Thomas Kinkade tote with religious sayings to go with the inspirational basket; a hardware store contributed. The list goes on & on. Truly a force for good was with us in this project and you were part of it.
Neighbors stuck their heads in the door and laughed at a dining room, foyer and living room knee-deep in baskets, products, ribbons, filler and books. But we did it. And all because of people like you who care. I have learned first-hand the power of social media and what can happen when we work together for good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Please send a mailing address. The Monroe Arts Alliance would like to send you their thank you and to enable you to have a tax receipt for your gifts.
Dr. Anne B Jones - Author 
