Are you an avid paperback reader?

Do you often wonder if others would enjoy the books you read?

Well, a local military mother has a suggestion for you.

Ellen Celli of Brewer, whose 20-year-old son, Spc. Ryan Celli, is serving in Ramadi, Iraq, recently became involved with an organization known as Operation Paperback, which sends “paperbacks to many of our brave troops serving overseas,” she wrote.

Operation Paperback supplies books to those serving in such far-flung locales as Iceland, Africa, Iraq “and many more,” she explained.

The organization helps supply reading material for troops who are on “ships at sea” and in hospitals, and are also given out by the USO “around the world.”

Celli reports that, since 1999, Operation Paperback has sent more than 300,000 books “to help ease the burden of our troops and to help to take their minds off the task at hand if, at least, for a small amount of time.”

She added that Ryan “is always requesting books” which allow our servicemen and servicewomen an opportunity “to enjoy another aspect of life that we all take for granted.”

Celli asks that you donate any paperbacks you can, and wrote that she will pick up any books and “send them to the revolving list that Operation Paperback supplies.”

The books can be new or used paperbacks in good condition. She explained that all of the paperbacks will have a sticker placed inside “to let [the military recipients] know that they were donated by people who support them.”

“I will also enclose a letter to let them know where the books come from, and letting them know that Maine is thankful and appreciative of what they are doing for all of us,” Celli wrote.

This military mother believes donating paperbacks “is just one, small way to let the troops know that we are mindful of them and the many sacrifices they are making for their families and their country.”

To contribute books for Operation Paperback through Ellen Celli, call her at 989-4720, or e-mail her at bangr76@aol.com.

Ryan Celli is a University of Maine student studying to become a teacher, and is a member of the Maine Army Guard B Company, 3rd Battalion of the 172nd Mountain Infantry.

His mom wrote that “he enjoys the adventure and is proud to be serving” but that he is “also looking forward to coming home and returning to UMaine.”

On New Year’s Eve, Ryan Celli will celebrate his 21st birthday.

Happy birthday, Ryan. Be safe.

Monica Gatcomb, housing and services coordinator for The Emmaus Center in Ellsworth, e-mailed that while things have been going well with that organization’s annual holiday Adopt-A-Family program, there are more than 50 families who “are still not adopted,” she wrote.

These families have been hard hit by high fuel costs, some are disabled and on a limited income and others are faced with unforeseen difficulties that adversely affect their financial situations.

Emmaus asks community members and business owners to help their neighbors in need this holiday season by adopting a family to ensure these families have a merry Christmas.

If you cannot adopt an entire family, gifts for teens and adults are needed as well, which can include gift certificates, or you can make financial contributions specifically for the Adopt-A-Family Program.

Along with the gifts, donations of turkeys or gift certificates to purchase them would be greatly appreciated.

If you can help, call Gatcomb at 667-3962, or mail your contributions to Emmaus Homeless Shelter, P.O. Box 811, Ellsworth 04605.

Spruce Run Association in Bangor is a domestic violence agency offering advocacy, support and education groups, children’s services, shelter, training and education, and a 24-hour hot line for individuals experiencing abuse in Penobscot County.

In its December newsletter, Spruce Run supporters were reminded the organization serves approximately 150 women and children each year, and those individuals often have been forced to flee their homes, on short notice, with very few possessions.

You can imagine, then, that Spruce Run’s wish list for this winter is very long.

In fact, I counted 54 different suggested items, ranging from bed sheets and comforters to personal hygiene items, playpens and tissues.

To learn how you can help, especially during what can be, for some, a very difficult holiday season, call Spruce Run at 945-5102.

And if you are one who needs to call the toll-free hot line, it is (800) 863-9909.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.