Anderson's opens 2015 Book Angels program
This time of year finds holiday elves hard at work making the season bright, but at Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange, the hard work is being accomplished by "book angels" doing their part to spread the love of literacy.
New this year is the annual program's connection to a most dedicated supporter: Jan Dundon, Anderson's Bookshop's longtime children's book buyer. Dundon, now retired, helped run the program through its development in the communities Anderson's serves. To honor her devotion and love of books, the annual charitable effort now carries her name: Jan's Book Angels.
A celebration to launch this season's Jan's Book Angels is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Dundon will be guest of honor. Educators are encouraged to attend to help match the best books to each child's request. Wrappers are encouraged to help wrap those books, and donors are invited to make Christmas special for children in need.
The drive places books in the hands of area disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The store's book angel tree is trimmed with tags, each bearing a child's name and age. Donors simply select a tag and purchase a book to match. Even simpler? The bookstore will make the matches for you.
Anderson's gives a discount on all Jan's Book Angel purchases, wraps each selection and delivers the books to area charities.
Included among those selected charities are: Bridge Communities, SmartSteps Foundation, Humanitarian Service Project, Indian Prairie Unit School District 204, Naperville Unit District 203, Illinois Masonic Children's House, Constance Morris House, Headstart Lifelink, Downers Grove Elementary District 58, Woodridge Elementary District 68, Cicero Elementary District 99, Quincy High School and St. Joseph Hospital.
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.
"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."
Above and beyond what Anderson's generous donors contribute, books are also provided by Anderson's Bookshops and Anderson's Bookfair Company, Anderson's Aurora-based children's book wholesaler division.
Last year, the effort delivered gift books to more than 2,500 children who then had a chance to open and own a new book.
To participate in 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. La Grange Road, La Grange. For information, visit andersonsbookshop.com.
If you go
What: Jan's Book Angels kickoff celebration
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
Where: Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville
Info: (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com