Children’s book drive this week at UCOP’s Franklin and Broadway buildings
Do you have any used children’s books that might brighten up a child’s day?
The Northern California office of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) this week kicks off its sixth annual summer book drive for low-income children living in the Oakland area. UCOP’s Franklin building is proud to participate in this initiative to help children improve their reading skills.
The goal is to get books into the hands of children who have little or no access to reading materials. It is part of President Obama’s summer United We Serve program, which encourages volunteerism in local communities.
The drive is coordinated locally by the East Bay Children’s Book Project and sponsored at UCOP by OP Staff Assembly.
Beginning this week through Friday, Aug. 15, you will find clearly marked white bins in the Franklin lobby and in the lobby at 1111 Broadway. Your donations should include gently used books appropriate for readers up to the age of 18. Please avoid dirty or chewed up books, textbooks and encyclopedias, or library discards.
Books will be distributed to children through various agencies such as food banks, homeless shelters, youth service offices and literacy programs. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and transport the books in a national service event on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Working through individuals and organizations helping children in need, the East Bay Children’s Book Project has given out more than a million books since opening its doors in May 2005.
If you have questions or are interested in participating in the Sept. 13 event, contact Quinn Donohue at qdonohue.guest@cns.gov or 510-637-1746.