TURNER — Between now and Aug. 8, Turner Public Library invites businesses and individuals to participate in its second annual Bountiful Baskets of Turner fundraiser by donating themed gift baskets, single items and gift certificates or gift cards to raise money for library equipment, reading materials and technology.
Volunteers are reaching out to area businesses and residents to help simplify supporting the library through the basket fundraiser, but donations may be dropped off at the library, or by contacting the library directly at 207-225-2030.
As a registered charitable organization, all donations to the basket fundraiser are tax-deductible in accordance with state and federal tax regulations. TPL will provide qualifying receipts upon request to business and individuals who donate.
“We’re already receiving generous donations, so we expect to have another great selection of baskets this year,” said Deb Gilbert, event chair. “Our goal is to make the event even more of a success than it was last year, and to really help support the library, which provides so much to Turner.”
This year’s baskets will be auctioned online, allowing bidders to place their bids remotely beginning Aug. 18, and running through Sept. 8.
“We looked at how successfully other area libraries conduct annual online auctions and felt that the ability to browse and bid from home, from work, even on a cell phone, was a real convenience that we should offer,” said Connie Maloney, who is helping to coordinate the event for a second year.
The online aspect of the auction should not deter interested bidders. The baskets will be displayed in the library, just as they were last year, and assistance for those who want to place a bid will be available during library hours. “We’re definitely going to make sure that everyone who wants to place a bid will have that opportunity,” Gilbert added.
Details on the bidding process, bidding window, and the celebratory community gathering will be announced in the near future. The event organizers may be reached through TPL at info@turnerpubliclibrary.org, or by phone at 207-225-2030.
