Pictured (L-R): Mary Leighty, board member; Kristen Crouthamel, 10 Squared Women representative; Leora Laughery, board member; Melia Van Meter, board member; Vicki Crannell, board member; Becky Carico, board member; and Jerri Hawkins, library director.
The 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County concluded 2024 by donating $14,600 to the Friends of the Mary J. Barnett Library in Guthrie Center. The funds will help the library purchase new furnishings for its children’s area, designed to be accessible for any of its young patrons. Library Director Jerri Hawkins says, “Our goal is to create a children’s area that is inclusive and accessible for all, including those with mobility and sensory challenges. Research indicates that 15-20 percent of the global population identifies as neurodivergent, highlighting the importance of having inclusive spaces.” An added benefit of the new furniture is that it specifically designed for library spaces, making it long-lasting and easy to clean. The organization now boasts 145 members and hopes to reach 200 in 2025. Members meet four times per year and pledge to donate $100 to the quarter’s chosen cause. Those donations, combined with employers’ matching contributions, are leveraged to make a significant impact in the communities in which these women live and work. Since its inception in 2017, the 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County group has donated over $372,000 to local causes, including area police and fire departments, youth summer food programs, and many others. To join or learn more, visit their Facebook page or reach out via email. Contact information is included below.
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10squaredgc@gmail.com
