On Nov. 30, for the 9th straight year, 200 gently-used books were gift-wrapped for distribution to children in need by members of the Marie Morrison Holiday Children’s Book Project. The project was initiated in 2002 by Marie Morrison, a board member of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library who died in 2010. The members are all volunteers at The Book Bag Shop of the library. The annual event has been named in Marie Morrison’s honor and is an independent project of the members, who purchase and donate the books and wrapping paper. 

From left to right: (Back row) Marion Renning, Paul LeBlanc, Wes Neer (Front row) Helen Gaige, Niki Mook

Helen Gaige, Paul LeBlanc, Niki Mook, Wes Neer and Marion Renning wrapped the nearly-new books for distribution to charitable organizations in Saratoga County, including the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council through its Soup Kitchen and the Womens, Infants and Children (WIC) programs.

Books are selected and sorted by various age groups from toddlers to young adults. Helen Gaige supervised this year’s sorting and delivery activities. Over the nine years, each participant has taken a turn hosting the annual pre-holiday wrapping party, which includes a pot luck lunch.  Niki Mook hosted this year.