Immanuel Lutheran Hosts Book Fair to Benefit School Library, Homeless Veterans

Jump start your holiday shopping and support two good causes this weekend by visiting the Immanuel Lutheran School Book Fair at Barnes & Noble in Shelby Township. 

Proceeds from the book fair, slated for this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10-11, benefit both the Immanuel Lutheran School library and Metro Detroit's homeless veterans.

Pick up a new book or Nook, games, puzzles, an educational toy or puppet, and more items during the sale. In addition, shoppers can purchase soups, sandwiches, beverages, and desserts. 

Special events are scheduled throughout the weekend including a Bedtime Story Night, set for Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come in their pajamas and robes to hear stories read by Immanuel Lutheran employees. Likewise, staff members, parents, and veterans are reading throughout the fair.

“We have tremendous support from our school community. Last year we made a profit of $3,300,” said Jim Nazarko, school librarian. 

Since the sale is scheduled to take place on Veterans Day, the school has decided to share its proceeds with the Piquette Square for Veterans in Detroit. Piquette Square is a residence for formerly homeless vets where they can have access to help in turning around their lives.

Nazarko expects to donate at least $2,000 to the nonprofit for veterans, he said. “It seems so tragic that so many of those who had sacrificed for their country should end up living on the streets. Piquette offers at least some of these men and women a chance to rebuild their lives,” Nazarko said. 

Immanuel Lutheran approximately 280 students will also craft cards and handwritten notes for the vets at Piquette as another way to thank them for their service.