Contributed

Spectator Book Club has established a children’s book program at the Yolanda K. Jabaley Clothing Center in honor of longtime member and community leader Judy Boggus.   The project will provide books to preschool children served by the clothing center, a free community resource operated by the LaGrange/Troup County Council of Church Women at 201 Byron Hurst St.

Filled with new and gently used books, the “Boggus bookshelf” will be the centerpiece of a children’s area being created at the clothing center while it is closed for the summer, said director Wanda-Ann Kinnamon.  Children can enjoy the books while their family members select clothing, then receive a book to take home.

“This is a new opportunity for us to serve the families who visit the clothing center,” Kinnamon said.

Spectator President Elsie Harris said members felt the book project was an appropriate way to thank Boggus for her service to the club and community, as well as to express appreciation for the inspiring way she has battled the debilitating disease ALS for the past two years.

“Judy’s good works are known throughout the community, as well as her charm, acts of kindness and good humor,” Harris said. “She is one of those rare people whose presence in a room makes everyone better.”

Boggus  thanked the club for their meaningful gift.

“I am grateful to the Spectator Club for this honor, and I am excited about the book project because of the children who will be its beneficiaries,” she said. “I cannot think of a better way to have been honored than putting books in the hands of children.”

The club’s plan is to replenish the bookshelf periodically, to ensure its continuation.

Club member Jane Foster, who spearheaded the project, said the group hopes it will “plant a seed in some child’s life to love reading.”