An Appeal at Year's End from Seraj Library Project
Another wonderful year for Seraj!
Friends, you know we're approaching the end of the year when you find yourself ankle deep in catalogs and letters from wonderful causes asking for money. For us at Seraj, this time of year is a chance to reflect on the wonderful year we have had, thanks in large part to you, our community of supporters. We recently completed our 9th and 10th libraries – one in Abu Falah and one in Tubas. We were able to award 15 BJ Wagner fellowships this fall, which brings the total to 57 students served since this program began. And the combined libraries have offered up an amazing schedule of programs centered around storytelling and bring communities together.
We are grateful, too, for the wonderful annual benefit dinner in October. Because of your generosity with your time and money, we had a wonderful turnout, and heard Palestinian stories from Fida'a Ataya, our master storyteller. We have come so far. And we want to thank you most sincerely for your continued support.
Now, at year's end, if your philanthropic sock still has some money in it, please consider supporting one of these three efforts:
- Each BJ Wagner Fellowship helps to defray much of the cost of college tuition for our young volunteers, most of whom are young women and who make excellent use of the opportunity. Full fellowships are $1,000.
- Estephan & Laurie are moving forward with a plan to create a Palestinian National Storytelling Center, to preserve the cultural identity and heritage of Palestine. This effort could not come at a better time.
- Books. Estephan noted that Seraj has put 45,000 books in place over the past 10 years. But many of those older books are becoming frayed, and many of the libraries could use new additions to their collections. Laurie figures that we need about $5,000 to restock a library.
We invite you to participate in these efforts. Donate here. Note your choice of Fund when you donate. Or mail your check to "Seraj Library Project," 636 N Harvey, Oak Park, IL 60302
As a reminder, we should mention that:
- If you are 70 1/2, or older, you can give money directly from your IRA without paying taxes.
- You can give appreciated stock (or other securities).
- If you are a member of Thrivent, you can now direct your charitable money to Seraj. We are on their approved list.
- If your employer offers matching gifts, you can direct those to Seraj.
- And don't forget Amazon Smile.
On the other hand, if your charitable efforts are complete, please help by sending us new people for our contact list. Seraj will welcome the opportunity to bring them into our circle of friends and supporters. Simply add their names to our email sign up on our website. Or, send names and email addresses for us to contact.
Of course, we will gladly accept both new names and a financial gift. Who among your friends would like to know more about Seraj?
You are appreciated by us and by the families that we serve in Palestine. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Galen
Galen Burghardt, Development Chair, Seraj USA |