Friday, 29 March 2024

Griswold makes Imagination Library gift

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Berta Kaemmerling, director of Surgical and Emergency Services and the Women’s Care Unit at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, recently received a surprise when benefactor Charlotte Griswold made a generous gift to Imagination Library, a literacy program at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake.

Ms. Griswold, a former educator, not only feels strongly about keeping her philanthropic dollars local, but she is a firm believer in the impact of books and reading.

“I am involved in this project because I believe that reading is key to a successful educational experience, and the earlier kids are exposed to books and reading, the more chance they will have to achieve their dreams,” Griswold said. “Now that my former students are becoming parents, I hope they are taking a leading role in their own kids' future by reading to them at home.”

At St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, each baby born is given the opportunity to be registered for the Imagination Library program, and is sponsored for the first year of their life.

They will then receive one book per month through the Lake County Office of Education and special funding sources or gifts like Griswold's to continue the program until each enrolled child reaches age 5.

Between 175 to 200 births take place each year. Griswold’s gifts will allow two years’ worth of books to be given to each child born at the hospital.

“Imagination Library has been a wonderful resource for our community,” said Caitlyn Cammarata, an RN in the Women’s Care Unit who registers babies for this program. “The development of young minds begins very early in life, so the fact that children in our county are receiving age-appropriate books as early as several weeks after birth is very beneficial. Because of people like Charlotte, we are very fortunate to have this program available for our families, and we will continue to encourage all patients to sign up for this program.” 
 
Kaemmerling agreed. “I think that what Charlotte has done in this community in regards to her donations is to be commended. Introducing children to books at a young age drastically improves childhood literacy and gives each child the opportunity to excel in their future.”

“St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake is committed to breaking the cycle of poor health outcomes in Lake County,” said David Santos, chief executive officer of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “Education and literacy go hand-in-hand with a healthier population. That is why we wholeheartedly support this program.”

Of course, Griswold encouraged everyone to get involved with the endeavor to encourage reading and promote education: “It only takes $25 a year per child.”

And what a difference that could make.

For anyone interested in the Imagination Library program or wishing to make a contribution to either Imagination Library or any of St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake’s programs, please contact Stephanie Wayment at the Lake County Office of Education at 707-262-4163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Melissa Kinsel at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake 707-995-5677 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

loader

LCNews

Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake. 

 

Newsletter

Enter your email here to make sure you get the daily headlines.

You'll receive one daily headline email and breaking news alerts.
No spam.