BIG RAPIDS, MI — What began as a small gesture of kindness has grown into a powerful community movement, thanks to two dedicated teachers, their students, and the support of Big Rapids Public Schools families.
It all started in November 2023, when Big Rapids Middle School teachers Hailey Clifford and Lauren Tanner joined a book drive organized by the Big Rapids Police Department. The drive benefited Adalee’s Library, a local nonprofit that provides books to children undergoing cancer treatment at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The mission struck a chord with the students—and the momentum hasn’t stopped since.
By November 2024, the teachers decided to take things a step further, hosting their own book drive and turning it into a friendly competition between six classrooms. Ms. Clifford’s class led the charge, collecting around 400 books, with Mrs. Tanner’s class contributing another 200.
In March, the initiative expanded when the BRPS middle school reading team launched a read-a-thon fundraiser. Students gathered pledges from family and friends based on how much they read—whether by pages, minutes, or the number of books. The fifth-grade students alone raised more than $2,000, which was used to purchase 495 brand-new books.
Altogether, the BRPS community has donated nearly 1,200 books to Adalee’s Library.
“This cause means so much to all of us,” said Lauren Tanner. “Many people in our community have been affected by cancer in some way. Through Adalee’s Library, we’re able to offer children a moment of joy during a very difficult time.”
Adalee’s Library was inspired by a local child named Adalee, who knows firsthand the challenges of undergoing treatment. After each hospital visit, children are invited to select a book from the library to take home—helping bring comfort, hope, and healing.
Today at BRMS, Mrs. Clifford and Mrs. Tanner's fifth-grade classes had the opportunity to present the books directly to Adalee and her mother during a small ceremony.
To learn more about the organization or how to contribute, visit https://adaleeslibrary.wixsite.com/adalees-library or search Adalee’s Library on Facebook.
