9/11 Day of Service

9/11 Day of Service is a day dedicated to helping others in need, and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought Americans together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy. All branches of MCLS are participating by partnering with local nonprofits and offering service opportunities and projects for our community.

Snack Collection Drives

Hickory Corner Branch
Hightstown Branch
Twin Rivers Branch
Now through Saturday, September 9th

Rise on the Run, a program of the Rise Food Pantry, brings healthy snacks into our schools for students who need a little energy boost in the afternoons when food may otherwise be unavailable to them.  Many of our local students of low-income families also participate in extra-curricular activities that last until long after the cafeterias are closed and food programs are no longer available to them. Rise on the Run helps bridge that gap! 

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) Donation Drive

Ewing Branch
Monday, August 28th through Monday, September 11th

The Ewing Branch will be taking donations for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) from 8/28 to 9/11. TASK’s wish list includes pantry items and personal care items. The full list of wanted items can be found on the TASK’s website. Donations can be left in the bins located in the front lobby.

Letter Writing Event

Hickory Corner Branch
Monday, September 11, 10:00 AM —8:00 PM 

Children and adults are invited to visit the library to write a letter of support for someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, in partnership with Girls Love Mail. No registration necessary.

Stitch-A-Thon Event

Hopewell Branch
Monday, September 11, 10:00 AM 8:00 PM

Participate in a 9/11 Day of Service project to support our community! All are invited to stop in during regular operating hours to create unique toys for sheltered animals, using sanitized, repurposed plushies from Glad Dogs Nation. Sewing experience not required! Kids as young as 5 (with adult assistance) can participate. Stitches don’t have to be perfect. The dogs won’t mind! Finished toys will be donated to Doing Right by Rescues, ensuring toys are distributed to animals in need. All supplies provided.

Paracord Lanyard Making

Robbinsville Branch
Monday, September 11, 2:00 — 3:00 PM

Come make a 550 paracord lanyard to donate to Operation Gratitude! 550 Paracord lanyards, named for parachute cords, can hold up to 550 pounds of weight. Paracord Lanyards can be used to:

  • Hang an IV bag from a tree
  • Build a makeshift shelter
  • Create a harness
  • Make a sling or splint
  • And more!

All materials will be provided and all paracords will be donated to Operation Gratitude* for care packages for deployed troops and first responders. Presented by Jamie Clay, Reference Librarian

*Operation Gratitude provides opportunities for Americans to express gratitude to military & first responders. With the help of their network of volunteers, they have sent 3.5 million care packages since 2003.

Donation Drive and Adoption Event

Hopewell Branch
Now through Friday, September 15th

Help us support our furry friends! MCLS is partnering with EASEL Animal Rescue League, Glad Dogs Nation, and Doing Right by Rescues in honor of 9/11 Day of Service. Through September 15th, we’re collecting much needed supplies for shelter animals, including stuffed animals that will be turned into dog toys at future stitch parties. Items can be dropped off anytime to our Hopewell Branch during library open hours.

 Donated Items we will be collecting:

  • Stuffed Animals (any size!)
  • Dry and Canned Dog/Puppy Food
  • Dry and Canned Cat/Kitten Food 
  • Dog Treats
  • 6′ Dog Leashes
  • Cat Toys & Durable Dog Toys
  • Feliway or Adaptil Calming Spray & Diffusers
  • Other Household Items:
    • Towels
    • Blankets (no electric blankets)
    • Sheets
    • Kitchen & 55 Gallon Trash Bags
    • Bleach
    • Paper Towels
    • Swiffer Wet Jet Pads & Solution
    • Swiffer Dry Pads

EASEL Animal Rescue League Adoption Event

Hopewell Branch
Saturday, September 16, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Visit the Hopewell Branch for an adoption event where you’ll have the chance to meet with some of wonderful adoptable animals! Let’s help find shelter animals a good home.

Rise Food Pantry

West Windsor Branch
Tuesday, September 5 through Wednesday, September 27

Bring canned or sealed food items, baby supplies, personal care items, and even pet food. You’ll provide children and families with the food and goods they need!

HomeFront Donation Drive

Lawrence Branch
From Friday, September 1st to Saturday, September 30th

In the month of September,  Lawrence Headquarters Branch is partnered with HomeFront, a non-profit organization located in Lawrenceville, to collect new, unused and up to date personal hygiene items. The list includes: 

  • Toothbrushes and toothpastes
  • Body wash and shower gel
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant – Men’s, women’s, or gender neutral
  • Period products (pads and tampons)

Meals on Wheels of Mercer County Pet Food Drive

Hollowbrook Branch
From September 1st to October 1st

The pet food that you donate will be given to the Meals of Wheels of Mercer County (MOWMC) Pet Pantry. Your generous donation will help keep our homebound seniors and their pets healthy, happy and together.