HETTINGER, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation awarded West River Health Services a grant to further establish a recreational library allowing community members to check out recreational equipment free of charge at the Adams County Library; all you need is a library card. Folks can borrow the equipment for one week before returning. This new initiative encourages the usage of many recreational sites and opportunities that Adams County offers and brings various items and equipment to the area that promote the health and wellness of all ages during all four seasons. Some of the items offered include kayaks, laser tag, paddle boards, gardening tools, yard games and more.
Cindy Ham, director of Community Relations at West River Health Services states, “We are grateful to have been chosen as a recipient for the BCBSND Caring Foundation Rural Health Grants. We don’t have the luxury of being able to quickly run to a big chain store to get equipment in small rural areas. If local stores do carry these items, it is typically limited in options. Another bonus of this project is it helps those who don’t want to buy and then find a place to store equipment.”
LaNae Kristy, librarian at Adams County Library exclaims, “The community is extremely appreciative of what the recreational library has to offer. They think it’s a great idea and happy it’s now an option. Many grandparents utilize our recreation library as well when they have grandkids coming to town and checkout yard games. With the colder weather soon arriving, we will be gearing up to promote our winter items such as skates, snowshoes, sleds and skate helpers, which can also be used with wheelchairs.”
BCBSND Caring Foundation Executive Director Pam Gulleson states, “This recreational library is such a great approach to supporting the health and well-being of rural community members. With the ongoing pandemic already pushing us to get outside more, this project further promotes how one can enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air, have fun and be active which positively affects our mind, body and soul.”
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/Caring-Foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
