Two cherished holiday traditions at MCCN and the Health Sciences Library help spread holiday cheer not only at Mount Carmel, but in the community as well. The Avondale Holiday Giving Program and Jingle Bells & Books return this year to help make the holidays brighter for all involved.
Avondale Holiday Giving Program
The giving tree in the library marks the return of the Avondale Holiday Giving Program. Co-sponsored by the Health Sciences Library and MCCN, the giving program provides gifts to the students at Avondale Elementary School – MCCN’s adopt-a-school. In addition to faculty, staff and students from MCCN and the library, the effort is now open to Mount Carmel Health System colleagues as well.
Here’s how it works: a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments outlining each Avondale student’s gift requests is now in the library on the third floor of the CLE. Interested students, faculty, staff and Mount Carmel colleagues should do the following:
- Select an ornament with a child's requested gift list.
- There are two ornaments – one red, one green – listing each child’s requested gift; take the red ornament with you.
- Provide your contact information on the green ornament and leave it at the library front desk.
- Purchase one item from the child's list, not to exceed $25.
- Return the unwrapped gift and red ornament to the library by Monday, December 14.
Note: clothing and school supplies for children in kindergarten through fifth grade also will be collected. The gifts will be wrapped and delivered to the students at Avondale on Friday, December 18.
“Avondale is like family to us and it means so much to be part of this very long, rich tradition of ensuring every child receives a gift,” said Colleen Cipriani, MA, director of student life. “This is a wonderful experience to see their faces when we show up. Their faces say it all!,” she said.
Jingle Bells & Books
“The sixth annual library open house known as Jingle Bells & Books is an event that celebrates the holidays and showcases library services to our diverse clients and communities,” said Stevo Roksandic, MBA, MLIS, AHIP, regional director of Library Services.
Sponsored by the Mount Carmel Foundation, this year Jingle Bells & Books will be held Tuesday, December 8 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in two locations: in the Health Sciences Library on the third floor of the CLE and in the Consumer Health Library, located in the 777 W. State St. building.
Food and refreshments will be offered at the library location, which also will tie in with the Avondale Holiday giving program.
“Starting this year we are featuring, in collaboration with MCCN, the Avondale Holiday Giving Program tree at the event, opening participation in the event to all Mount Carmel colleagues as well as students, faculty and staff from the College,” Roksandic said.
The Consumer Health Library location will feature a dessert reception and hot chocolate and focus on their health information and resources available to the community.
