To the editor:

The Hancock School Public Library would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Portage Health Auxiliary! They gave us a grant of $3500 to purchase circulating STEM Kits and we are super-excited about this program.

STEM is a term to describe science, technology, engineering and math, grouped into a focus of study and exploration. It develops higher level thinking skills, usually through hands-on practical application, and gets kids excited about science at all age levels. With this grant money, we will be able to purchase 35 kits to circulate to families, students and public patrons. These kits will cover a wide range of ages and STEM interests, and contain either equipment to use, or projects to make, or experiments to conduct. From computer coding robot blocks to microscopes to magnets and electricity to solar energy to general critical thinking and problem solving, our STEM kits will have something for everyone.

The Portage Health Auxiliary’s grant funding comes entirely from proceeds of the Guilded Rose Gift Shop in the UP Health System- Portage main campus. It is a terrific gift shop, right in the lobby, and money you spend there helps fund many, many programs for the youth and elderly in our area- patronize them if you can!