The 2019 Holiday Book Drive was the biggest one yet!
On Dec. 12, 650 books were delivered to students served by Leading with Literacy on Chicago’s South Side. Sooooo many books! I shared them with Pastor Michael Neal, founder of Leading with Literacy, in two batches. The first delivery…
And the second!
(Here’s a roundup of all the books donated in 2019!)
As the holidays neared, I prayed that authors, publishers, family and friends would be interested in the book drive again in 2019 - that the books would arrive in time and that the titles delivered would be enjoyed and shared broadly, to foster an enduring love of reading.
Wow, prayers were answered. The 2019 drive was a heart-racing joy, from start to finish. Generosity and momentum just grew and grew, culminating in an action-packed Delivery Day. We received so many donations that we were able to deliver books to classrooms at EVERY grade level in one Chicago Public School - a Holiday Book Drive first!
And that was just the start. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day…
To all those who pushed pause on their incredibly busy lives to place an order of books, or collaborate with their publishers on a special delivery - from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. The books that you shared are now being enjoyed by hundreds of young readers!
And a most-enormous thanks the Delivery Day dream team - my dear friend Chazmin Baechler and Pastor Michael Neal. Chaz and I so enjoyed our time with Pastor Neal, visiting the schools where he has such incredible partnerships and touring the Timothy Community Corporation, where many exciting things are underway for residents of Bronzeville.
(We love your new Free Little Library, Pastor Neal!)
So with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I send my heart-filled gratitude to all for your help in making the Holiday Book Drive happen… again! I sure hope you’ll join us in 2020 for a fourth year of book giving joy!