The Little Free Library outside Harriet Gifford Elementary School is usually stocked with books. People drop them off and pick them up as they like.
In the last week, however, it’s found a new use.
In addition to books, people have been dropping off bottled water, cans of soup, boxes of pasta and other nonperishable food items free to anyone who needs them, Principal Joe Corcoran said.
“People are creative in how they’re helping their neighbors,” Corcoran said, describing it as an “act of kindness.”
“We didn’t ask for it, someone just did it,” he said. “I thought it was awesome.”
It may have been prompted by the fact that Gifford, located at 240 S. Clifton Ave., is one of the Elgin schools being used by School District U-46 to serve as a grab-and-go meal distribution point for families while schools remain closed through at least April 8.
Corcoran and U-46 used social media pages to thank the anonymous donor or donors.
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“Even during these times of uncertainty, the U-46 community looks for ways to help,” the district’s post said.
“Thank you, neighbor!!” the Gifford post said.
The mini-library at Gifford was built by a Girl Scout and installed a few years ago, Corcoran said. It’s one of several set up in the Elgin area, according to the Little Free Library online map, which can be found at https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/.