Last month, Marathon volunteers built ‘Give-n-Take’ book houses for United Way. The houses, each with a large swinging door and a small cubby inside, will be used to make loaner books available to children outside the traditional library setting.

“When United Way needed these ‘Give-n-Take’ book houses, Marathon employees stepped up," said Debra Lancaster, United Way executive director. “Led by Krysta Fast and Mark Dye, Marathon volunteers invested hours of skilled labor to build and paint three houses.”

Mark Dye, whose volunteer experience with United Way began more than 10 years ago, said he was eager to contribute in another hands-on project. Dye is a graduate of Leadership Skagit, an organization focused on community service and “action” to carry out a team plan.

“Kids will flock to these beautiful little houses filled with donated books that they can take home and keep,” said Lancaster. “We thank these dedicated employees who invested their time and skills in a demonstration of how they care about children.”