Donating books....

[Terry36]

Aly, my 11 y.o. daughter, wants to donate some of her old books to a worthy cause; she suggested sick kids at a Children's hospital or a battered women's shelter. I have no idea how to go about finding a women's shelter, since they're not published. I know we can donate them to the local library but I would rather donate to needy causes; I'm so proud of her for suggesting we do so.

I was hoping you guys here on the Dis can guide me in the right direction or suggest other worthy organizations.

 

[doxdogy]

Quick Google search brought up (hopefully) several in your area. Also check with your local public library. They may have yearly book sales to raise money.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source...GhgTm65iFCwAAAKoEBU_QjQEu&fp=e0fa4b5da4f245a4

 

[dakcp2001]

I just wanted to caution you that there was a news story done in my area about the book "drop off" boxes that you see in parking lots. It says "donate used books, movies & cds" and it is NOT a charity, it is for a store that sells them. They make it look like a charity and they also solicit for "book donations" on Craigslist.

I would try calling the local childrens hospital, ask if they can take them. If not try the police, they can probably get them to a shelter or send you in the right direction. There may also be an after school program or daycare that could use them!


I think it is wonderful that your daughter wants to share, and that other kids will get to enjoy these books!

 

[kidzmom3]

just a thought. My hospital is affiliated with a big Childrens hospital and we are unable to accept donations of used books or toys. Its an infection control thing.

 

[Cooky]

.

 

[Tricia1972]

I doubt that hospitals would accept used books. You might trying calling a local non-profit that does work in human services or a local government social services agency who can put you in contact with an organization that may accept your daughter's books.

I have to tell you though, that working with charitable groups that accepted book donations, there is a flood of children's books donated. I think the most useful donation your daughter could make, is to find out if you have a Friends of the Library organization in your area that has book sales. Funds generated, help libraries purchase new books, that everyone in the community can benefit from.

Good luck and congratulations to your daughter for her generosity.

That's a great idea. I never heard of that organization, I'll have to check it out.

OP, if you don't have an organization like that, the Safe Houses and Shelters in your area will have phone numbers that you can call. You may not be able to drive to their door, but they can tell you over the phone where to drop off your donations.

 

[golfgal]

Check with your county social services department for information on donating to a woman's shelter. I would also contact your local schools or library, they ALWAYS take donated books (at least ours do).

 

[Val]

Please do call your school. My youngest 2's junior high has begun a huge focus on pleasure reading as a way to help improve reading scores. However, recent budget cuts have taken away much, if not all, of the library budget. The PTO in conjunction with the literacy teachers/librarian decided to do a book drive. Our school is about 900 6th-8th grade kids; about 1/2 of our kids are low income, the other half middle to upper income. We brought in over 1000 usable books!!! This summer we are working on distributing the books to the classrooms. Any books that were too young or too old we gave to the elementary schools or the high school.

We can now say that no child can complain that they have nothing to read- the books will be available without even having to walk down the the IMC!

We gave little items- pencils, stickers, etc. to kids who donated books. The team (kids are broken into teams by grade) with the most books got an ice cream day (dilly bars donated by the local Dairy Queen). But most of all, we sure appreciated the donations......and I am sure your school would too!
We were blown away with how many donations....and plan to make this a yearly event.

I am sure your school will appreciate the books. Give them a call!

 

[Terry36]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

If you contact your local American Legion they will send them directly to the troops!

 

[NotUrsula]

Schools in disadvantaged communities often really need books for young readers; the kids tend to move around so much that borrowed books almost never get returned.

Most public libraries will not put personal children's books into the collection, but will sell them at Friends' sales to buy new titles. (Libraries normally buy specially-bound children's books; the bindings are heavy-duty to stand up to the extra wear and tear.)