Goodwill Industries Suncoast will sponsor a book drive from Feb. 1 through March 15 to collect books for its BookWorks program, which provides free books to children from low-income families.
“This program can make a real difference,” said Goodwill spokeswoman Chris Ward. “In Sumter County alone, more than 1,500 children received books through this program last year. We rely on the book drive to collect many of the books that will be presented to children during the coming year.”
Last year, Goodwill volunteers gave books to more than 29,000 children from needy families. The volunteers read to children at Head Start centers and other locations, then give each child a personalized book to take home.
Residents of eight Florida counties are asked to donate children’s books in good condition or provide a cash donation to purchase books. Counties include Sumter, Marion, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando and Highlands.
Books can be donated by attaching a note that they are “For BookWorks” and dropping them off at any Goodwill location or donation site in one of the eight counties. Donation locations can be found at www.goodwill-suncoasts.org or by calling 888-279-1988.
Monetary contributions can be made online at https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/bookworks.
The BookWorks program supports Goodwill’s mission of helping people achieve their full potential through work by helping children learn to read and eventually making them more employable. To volunteer, call 888-279-1988and ask for BookWorks or email bookworks@goodwill-suncoast.com.
Sale of donated items through Goodwill’s retail stores supports its services in 10 counties, including employment services and training centers for people with disabilities, affordable apartment communities, and community corrections programs.
