Children’s presents come from the heart

See local artists’ creations

One of Bellingham’s more popular cultural activities is the monthly Downtown Art Walk, sponsored Downtown Bellingham Partnership, a merchants’ organization. It’s always 6-10 p.m. the first Friday of every month.

Find a map of the participating locations at downtownbellingham.com/art-walk or call 360-527-8710. Allied Arts is a regular participant, and holds a special Children’s Art Walk in May.

Often, the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher galleries are open free during the Art Walk. A free evening is 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Check the online events calendar at whatcommuseum.org for other dates and times, or call 360-778-8930. The Lightcatcher is at 250 Flora St.

Make presents for holiday giving

Whatcom County libraries will offer their annual Let’s Make Presents! program at various times and locations in December.

Although the exact projects haven’t been decided for this year, participants can expect a bookmark; a coupon that offers a service such as reading a story or doing the dishes; and a present ideal for a mom and a dad.

All events are free and material are provided, said Tammy LaPlante, children’s services specialist at Whatcom County Library System. I has been offered every December at Whatcom County libraries for more than 20 years.

“They just have to show up and get busy,” LaPlante said.

She said children get great satisfaction from putting their own effort and imagination into a gift. Last year’s projects included a corner page bookmark, a brown paper bag scrapbook, and bath salts, LaPlante said.

“That was awesome, the bath salts were my favorite thing in a long time,” said LaPlante, who particularly cherishes the bookmarks from over the years. “I have a collection of the bookmarks, I still have all of them and they’re really special.”

“Our Note of Thanks program has become a family tradition for many. Children are invited to show gratitude using a variety of fun craft supplies provided — stickers, stamps, glitter, fun paper, and much more! It’s fun to see how thoughtful kids are about making thank-you notes for friends and family.”

Bernice Chang, children’s library specialist at Bellingham Public Library, Note of Thanks will be 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Children’s presents come from the heart."