DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DONATES PERCENTAGE

OF SALES TO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Shirley's Popcorn, Bluffton, is donating a percentage of its July, August and September sales to the Bluffton Public Library's "Buck$ for Book$" campaign.

The "Buck$ for Book$" fundraising campaign began as a result of the economic decline that started in 2009, which resulted in a loss of approximately 30 percent of Ohio state public library funding. With the slow recovery, the funding reduction continues. The campaign, which started last December, has an ambitious goal to raise $5,000 by the end of 2010.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of community members and local organizations, approximately $2,500 has been raised to date.

"Without the additional support, it would be difficult to sustain the materials and programs that motivate children to read, create positive attitudes about reading and books and enable them to maintain their reading skills during summer vacation, thus avoiding 'summer brain drain,'" said Rikki Steingass, youth services coordinator.

In addition to donating a percentage of sales for the third quarter, Shirley's will also be creating a custom popcorn flavor - caramel apple - for the library's 75th anniversary celebration in September.

"Pop in to Shirley's Popcorn, grab your favorite flavor and get double rewards - a sweet treat and the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting literacy and lifelong learning," said Cindi Chasse, library director.

Shirley's Popcorn is located at 117 South Main St., Bluffton.