Each year, JFCS collects and distributes nearly 4,000 new books to promote literacy among local children in pre-K through Grade 5, with special emphasis on low-income and at-risk families. Books are also given to infants and toddlers, as well as older children in middle and high school.
“Please support our children and help open a new chapter in their lives by joining JFCS’ literacy campaign,” said Sheila Birnbaum, a JFCS volunteer and founder of the “Take-a-Look, Buy-a-Book” program. “There’s a measure of dignity attached to owning, enjoying, and sharing books. What better way to teach the love of reading than to give these at-risk children a gift.”
The book drive runs from Feb. 1 – March 31, 2023. Community members can participate by:
- Delivering or shipping new books for infants through teenagers directly to the main JFCS office at 2688 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237.
- Encouraging organizations, neighborhoods, social clubs, businesses, friends, and other groups to organize a book collection among their members. A designated person can collect the books and deliver them to JFCS.
- Making a monetary donation online to go toward the purchase of books. To donate, click here and write “Book Drive” in the donor notes section. Thanks to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, donations up to $500 will be doubled.
Donated books will be distributed to JFCS clients who participate in a variety of programs, including Camp Mariposa, Ignite/REACH, Veterans Services, Homeless Prevention, Youth Services and more. Books will also go to local Title I schools, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, summer reading programs and other organizations such as The Haven, All Star Children’s Foundation, Bucket of Books, and more.
For additional information:
Contact Sheila Birnbaum at SheilaBirnbaum@AOL.com.
To arrange a drop-off or delivery:
Contact Melanie Hayes, Public Relations Specialist, at mhayes@jfcs-cares.org.
