A Love for Learning

Hattie Neesvig, a 12-year-old Trout Creek resident, is in her second season of sharing her love for reading and learning with the children of Sanders County. She has once again teamed up with Sanders County Public Health's Karen Dwyer and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to help achieve her vow of encouraging local children to develop a love for reading, while creating a desire to learn.

Neesvig started her work in 2016, when she spent the summer brainstorming ideas for a community service project to take place during the holiday season.

"I thought about the 'Empty Stocking Club,' which my grandparents always donate to, and wanted to do something similar to that here," Neesvig stated. "But I also wanted to do something more practical than toys. Since I love reading and learning about everything I possibly can, I decided that books would be a great gift."

Neesvig had contacted Dwyer early that September hoping she could help reach out to children who could use something "a little extra" for Christmas. Dwyer was willing to disperse the gifts to families as they visited the office during the holiday season. Due to confidentiality, Neesvig is not able to disperse the gifts herself.

After finalizing the logistics, off to work she went. Last year, Neesvig personally sewed 105 bags using donated fabric from various sources.

"I spent an entire weekend sewing the bags!" exclaimed Neesvig. But she got smarter this year. She recruited her grandmother to help her sew bags. "I now have plenty to get me through this year and maybe a bit of next year," she said.

Not only did Neesvig recruit her "Nana," she also asked for help from her classmates. Len Dorscher, Thompson Falls Elementary Principal, agreed to allow a book drive to take place at the school.

The annual book drive took place once again at the elementary school last week. Neesvig collected enough books to provide 56 children a bag filled with books.

"I am so grateful for everyone who donated books, Mr. Dorscher for allowing the book drive to happen, and Ms. Dwyer for making it all happen," Neesvig stated.

"The best part about doing this is knowing that I am helping make some child's holiday a little better," she stated. "I received a thank you from a parent last year. She stated that her children hated going into the WIC office, but they were so excited to get a gift that it made the trip much easier, and she was so glad people did nice things for others." Neesvig admitted that the thank you card in the form of a Christmas card brought tears to her and her mother's eyes.

This pretty much sums it all up for Neesvig. She stated that her reason for taking part in community service projects is because it makes her "feel good to make others feel good."

Handmade bags are filled with as many books as Neesvig can collect and evenly distribute. Some bags are filled with books that are designated for either a boy or girl, and she organizes them based on age appropriateness. She also goes through all the donated books to be sure only new and gently used books are dispersed.

Neesvig said she plans to continue this project, "well, forever I guess. At least until I go to college."

If interested in donating fabric, bags,or new/gently used books contact Neesvig at (406) 291-4198.