Book Angels help spread love of literacy

While Santa's elves are hard at work making the season bright, Book Angels in Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville, Downers Grove and LaGrange are doing their part to spread the love of literacy.

Through Jan's Book Angels, a program that honors retired children's book buyer Jan Dundon, who oversaw the angels program, donors can purchase books to make Christmas special for children in need. Books are distributed through local charities and school systems.

"Every year the lists of children's names seem to grow, but so does our community's generosity," said Sue Skells, Jan's Book Angel coordinator. "This year we expect a similar outpouring of support from our 'angels.' Such gifts of the heart are welcome."

Each Anderson's store has an angel tree trimmed with angel tags, each bearing a child's name and age. Donors select a tag and purchase a book to match, or the bookstore will make the matches for you.

Anderson's offers a discount on all Jan's Book Angel purchases, wraps each selection and delivers the books to area charities. Among those charities are Bridge Communities, SmartSteps Foundation, Humanitarian Service Project, Indian Prairie Unit District 204, Naperville Unit District 203, Red Stocking Project (of Lurie Children's Hospital), GirlForward, Masonic Children's Home, Downers Grove Elementary District 58, Woodridge Elementary District 68, Cicero Elementary District 99, Keeneyville Elementary District 20, The Leader Shop and Partners for Success Alternative School.

Individuals, organizations and classrooms have donned their "angel wings" to help the Jan's Book Angel program. Donors young and old step up to help. Big or small, all gifts are encouraged.

Beyond what Anderson's donors contribute, books are also provided by Anderson's Bookshops and Anderson's Bookfair Company, Anderson's Aurora-based children's book wholesale division.

Last year, the effort delivered gift books to more than 2,500 children who then had a chance to own a new book.

Volunteer wrappers are encouraged to help wrap the books.

To volunteer for or donate to Jan's Book Angel program, call Skells at (630) 355-2665 or stop in to any of the Anderson's Bookshops: 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; 5112 Main St., Downers Grove; or 26 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange.