Organizing a one-day community book drive
Abstract
This one-day event, held on Make A Difference Day, helped collect books for 75 families in need. The collaborative event was sponsored by an RSVP project, a local literacy council, and a county 4-H program.Issue
Families without literate adults are not able to read to their children. Children in such homes may lack encouragement and resources to appreciate reading.Action
The goal of this event was to place picture books and easy-to-read books in 75 homes so that the children can pick up the books, use imagination to make up original stories, and learn to appreciate books as they turn the pages. Effective practices from this event include:- Having five agencies collaborate: three agencies to organize and sponsor the event, and two additional agencies to distribute the books.
- Collecting gently used books at three drop sites, with each site manned by two organizations.
- Collecting monetary donations at the three sites to purchase easy-to-read books.
- Having a lunch afterwards for all volunteers with food donated by staff and members of the five participating organizations.
- Having pictures taken to be placed in the local newspapers.
- Having a team with one member from each of the distributing agencies purchase books with the donated funds.
Context
This one-day book drive was held on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, by Eastern Shore RSVP, Onancock, Virginia, in collaboration with the local Literacy Council and a county 4-H program. Books will be distributed in December by Project Head Start, the Literacy Council, and two departments of social services (one from each county) as part of their Toys for Tots programs for Christmas. The distributing agencies will choose the families most in need. Only about 40 percent of the population over 25 years of age in this area of the Eastern Shore has a high school diploma. The economy is primarily rural agricultural, which has suffered in recent years. Many families have no books in their homes or no one in the family able to read to the children.
Make A Difference Day is one of the most encompassing national days of service — a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA Weekend Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. Millions have participated since 1991.
Outcome
This one-day event, held on Make A Difference Day, helped collect books for 75 families. The books were distributed to children so they can develop more appreciation for reading.- More than 150 books were collected.
- Over $180 dollars was donated to purchase books.
- Volunteers from different agencies strengthened collaborative bonds.
Posted On
November 7, 2001For More Information
Related Practices
Related sites
National Center for Family Literacy