By Sarah Johnston, MCSD Communications Dept.
Donated books are making their way into MCSD classrooms thanks to a generous team effort by local organizations.
Bobcat students are enjoying copies of the Sesame Street book “Comfy-Cozy Nest,” which were initially provided to the local McFarland Clinic by Sesame Street in Communities. The clinic worked with the Marshalltown Public Library and the local Reach Out and Read organization to distribute the books to MCSD elementary schools.
So far, books have been distributed to Woodbury and Fisher elementary schools, and more are planned to be given to Franklin and Hoglan elementary students. Organizations like the Marshalltown Police Department, Mid-Iowa Community Action, and Child Abuse Prevention Services also received Sesame Street book donations.
Sesame Street in Communities is committed to helping children through situations that they may have a hard time understanding. “Comfy-Cozy Nest” is about Big Bird having and coping with big feelings in a healthy way.
Along with healthy coping mechanisms, the book covers mental health responses to trauma and stress. Sesame Street in Communities donated the books to local organizations after several recent, stressful events, including the 2018 tornado, the 2020 derecho, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you to Sesame Street in Communities, Betsy Macke with Reach Out & Reach, Brenda Severson with McFarland Clinic, and Joa Laville with the Marshalltown Public Library for all of your efforts.
If you would like copies of “Comfy-Cozy Nest,” please reach out to Severson at bseverson@mcfarlandclinic.com.