When the war in Ukraine broke out and the desperate need of the Ukrainian people for essentials came to light, the Nederland Community Library extended their sense of community to this war-ravaged nation. For the month of March 2022, the library foundation decided to donate all proceeds collected from the book sales to UNICEF in Ukraine. This inspired Kathy Peck to do more.

Peck worked at Nederland Elementary School (NES) for 23 years. She taught PreK, special needs and first and second grades. She most loved being with the children and connecting with their families. For the past 14 years, she has volunteered at the public library on Wednesdays, since it was located in the B&F shopping center.

After the foundation donated the proceeds to UNICEF, Peck approached Elektra Greer, the library director, with an idea. Could she sell cookies she baked at the library and send her sales money to Ukraine?

Peck knew other libraries had library relief funds that they were sending to Ukraine. Together they set this fundraising opportunity up. Peck bakes cookies and then Greer sends the money through the UNICEF connection. About $700 has been raised since they started.

Peck makes a variety of flavors, most with chocolate chips included. Oatmeal chocolate chip, chocolate chip, pumpkin bread, banana bread, almond bread, and brownies have all been offered for sale. The flavor and ingredients depend on what she has in her cupboard that week. After the approximately two dozen baked goods are gone, you’ll have to wait until the next Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to get some.

“Doing this one thing,” Peck says, “feels good and it’s one thing that I can do.”