Janelle and Dan Menze are pretty proud of their four children; Garrett (9), Jared (8), Riley (6) and Emily (4).  According to their mother, they are natural philanthropists.
 
"Two years ago their school was working to get donations of new musical instruments," explains Janelle.  "The kids decided to use the money they made from the toys they got rid of at our  rummage sale to support that drive."
 
So it is not surprising that when celebrating the children's joint birthday party, together, they all decided that instead of getting presents they wanted to give presents.  The idea of collecting donations of gently-used or new books started with a box of granola bars.  With a few proof of purchases, Janelle sent in for a kit full of ideas for creative birthday's that gave back to the community.
 
While the kit provided many ideas of items to collect, the children all agreed that they wanted to collect and donate books to a good cause.  "We love to read," state the Menze children in unison. "We have like a hundred books. A whole bookshelf full."
 
Janelle saw a bookmark about the Big Red Bookshelf project at their school, and promptly called United Way of Greater Duluth. United Way thanks the Menze family for their efforts!  The books that they donated will be recycled into the community through the Big Red Bookshelf which are bookshelves located throughout the community that invites children to read a book and keep one if they wish.
 
The Big Red Bookshelf is a project of United Way of Greater Duluth's Success By 6 initiative, dedicated to improving school readiness by raising awareness, supporting early learning and literacy, improving health and well-being and providing parent and caregiver resources to support all children birth to kindergarten.