Book Angels spread literacy to children in need
This time of year finds holiday elves hard at work making the season bright, but at Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville and Downers Grove, the hard work is being accomplished by “Book Angels” doing their part to spread the love of literacy.
As part of the store’s annual Book Angels holiday program, books are donated to area disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The store’s Book Angel tree is trimmed with angel tags, each bearing a child’s name and age. Donors select a tag, and purchase a book to match.
To make it even simpler, the book store will make the matches for you.
Anderson’s offers a discount on all Book Angel purchases, wraps each selection and delivers the books to area charities.
Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville is distributing books to the following local agencies: Bridge Communities, SmartStep Foundation, Humanitarian Service Project, Indian Prairie Unit District 204, the Kerry Wood Foundation, and Naperville Unit District 203.
In Downers Grove, books will be delivered to Lifelink’s Early Headstart Program, Humanitarian Service Project, Downers Grove Elementary District 58, Woodridge Elementary District 68, Cicero Public School District 99, Chicago Public School Dist. 299, and the St. Joseph Carmelite Home for Boys and Girls.
“Every year the lists of children’s names seem to grow, but so does our community’s generosity,” said Kris Nugent, the store’s Book Angel coordinator. “This year we expect a similar outpouring of support from our Angels. Such gifts of the heart are welcome.”
In addition to 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 wholesaler division.
That shared enthusiasm and generosity mean merrier holidays for area children. Last year, the effort delivered gift books to nearly 2,000 children.
Anderson’s also promotes the Andrea’s Angels program, which finds new homes for gently used books, for children and adults, year-round.
To participate in Anderson’s Bookshops Book Angel program, call Kris Nugent at (630) 355-2665 or stop in to either of the Anderson’s Bookshops: 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville or 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. To donate your books for Andrea’s Angels also contact the bookstores in Naperville or Downers Grove.