The Family Giving Tree

Linda McBride has found the perfect gift. This gift doesn't come in a box or with a bow, but it does come with a set of instructions to make her cry.

What started out 49 years ago, with this Russellville native's siblings, has evolved into a way of giving that Linda has passed on to her children and grandchildren and as many extended family members as she can.

"We started doing this years ago at Christmas in memory of family members," said Linda. "We all contribute some cash and take turns deciding what to do with it on a rotating basis each year." This year's gift was the sponsorship of a fireplace in honor of Linda's parents to be constructed in the Russellville library that is under renovation.

This charitable giving tradition is one that Linda's children took up many years ago when they were still very young. Now on most gift-giving occasions, Linda is presented with a letter explaining the charitable gift that has been made to help someone less fortunate.

"I told them not to buy me presents. They could buy me perfume or a blouse, but that's over so quickly. This kind of gift gives me joy all year long as is something I really enjoy telling people about," Linda said.

"The only rule I have is that the letter has to make me cry."

Linda's respect for libraries began in her childhood and continues today.

"I love to read now and did when I was a child," she said. "That's back when we had the freedom to walk or ride our bikes to the library on our own and there wasn't the distraction of television.

"My daughter Angela is dyslexic and a very important part of her overcoming it was access to reading through the public library," Linda said. "We used to read and then act out the stories in the books. I read to my grandchildren and still read out loud to my children and they are grown."

A letter outlining a recent charitable gift to the Fort Smith Public Library from her daughter encapsulates the value of books that Linda passed to her children. "It seems to be a simple task - the ability to read an outstanding book. For someone who could have any book at their fingertips, it is hard to imagine that many people never enjoy the pleasure of reading."

Linda donates books she has read to the library in Eureka Springs where she and her husband Bob have a family getaway.

Most recently, Linda and Bob turned their attention to the nearly complete Fayetteville Public Library's Blair Library. With a $25,000 gift, the McBrides are making possible the addition of an interactive learning wall in the children's area and a baby grand piano for the public auditorium.