If you’re like me, you can name quite a few favorite books from your childhood. Books are powerful. They can delight, engage, teach, entertain—the list goes on. Every child should experience the gift of good books in their lives. And that’s what The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is all about.
The organization works to ensure all kids growing up in Greater Cleveland have books of their own to read and cherish. The nonprofit has distributed 3 million free books to 100,000+ kids in need in Greater Cleveland. They continue to distribute 40,000 books every month thanks to the support of area businesses and more than 8,000 volunteers.
At Dover Home Remodelers, we are blessed to give back to our Greater Cleveland community where we live and work. This year, on behalf of our clients, Dover has made a monetary donation to The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.
Here’s how you can support The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank in our community.
In addition to donations, the organization relies on volunteers to fuel its programming. From sorting and packing to running a book drive and passing out books directly to kids, there are various opportunities for individuals and groups to make an impact. Summarized from their website (www.kidsbookbank.org), here are a few ways you can get involved.
Prepare Books for Distribution
Browse, batch and box books for distribution to organizations serving children and families in need. Individuals (ages 13+) and groups of up to 10 people can sort and box books during pre-scheduled shifts. NOTE: Volunteers have dedicated workstations (6 feet apart with cleaned and sanitized tools) and work from their box of unsorted books during each shift.
Donate New or Gently Used Children’s Books
Whether you have a few books or a few boxes, The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank will get them to local kids who need them. They ask that you only donate children’s books in good condition with the latest copyright no earlier than 2000: no textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias or similar books. To find a convenient drop-off location, go to www.kidsbookbank.org.
Stock Little Free Libraries
Using your own books—or picking up books from the organization—you can help ensure the free neighborhood libraries are stocked and ready for eager kids.
Run A Book Drive
The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank makes it easy to make a difference. Their Book Drive Tool Kit gives you everything you need to collect children’s books at your workplace, school, church, organization, or even in your neighborhood.
Join Young Professionals: Support literacy, network and have fun doing it
The Young Professionals of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank are a dynamic group of early and mid-career men and women united to support the Kids’ Book Bank mission. The group volunteers their time to promote the Kids’ Book Bank in our community and hosts fundraisers throughout the year. Email youngprofessionals@kidsbookbank.org for more info.
Again, Dover is so very pleased to connect with and support the Kids’ Book Bank in Cleveland. Thank you to our wonderful clients who have made this donation possible. From our Dover family to yours:
We wish you a magical holiday season surrounded by family and friends.
All the best for a happy, healthy 2022!
The best is yet to come,
Beth Orr
