Philadelphia Reads Book Drive America

Posted by on September 10, 2004

[posted from Neighbors On Line Philadelphia]

Going by the book?

PHILADELPHIA READS program wants you to donate children’s books
Randy.Giancaterino@phila.gov
Office of the city representative

PHILADELPHIA READS, a nonprofit agency which promotes children’s literacy, wants to make all Philadelphia school children bookworms.

The organization’s latest effort to achieving that mission is “Book Drive America,” a program designed to collect new and gently used children’s books for children, ages 5 through 13. The book drive is running now through October 5, with designated collection bins in five Sovereign Bank branches in Center City including at 1500 Market St., 1101 Market St., 2000 Market St., 3131 Market St., and 1717 Arch St.

Tom Jacoby, executive director of PHILADELPHIA READS, said initiatives such as Book Drive America are a steppingstone to a lifetime pursuit of knowledge for young people. He encouraged Philadelphia businesses to get involved by organizing their own collection bins and for more participation from the general public for this good cause.

“If you have children’s books which are just laying on a book shelf in your home or packed away, give us a call and we will put the books back in circulation and in the worthy hands of a child who can truly benefit from your donation,” Jacoby said.

In addition to the drop-off bins, large quantities of donations conveniently can be picked up by calling PHILADELPHIA READS, at 215-686-4450.

PHILADELPHIA READS will donate the much-needed books to community organizations and schools citywide. This year’s goal is to exceed the collection of 150,000 children’s book donated in 2003. To date, PHILADELPHIA READS has collected more than one million books through projects such as Book Drive America since 1997.

PHILADELPHIA READS, based in Center City, works with individuals, schools, community and faith-based organizations and businesses to provide mentors, rescues and advocacy for in-school, after-school and summer programs. Together these partners and PHILADELPHIA READS help to strengthen the literacy skills of Philadelphia’s youngest and neediest school children.

For more information about Book Drive America and PHILADELPHIA READS, please contact (215) 686-4450.