Proceeds from Anderson's Bookshop book auction and Books for Troops program support the community
In May, Anderson's Bookshop collected more than $1,500 in donations from generous customers through an auction for the new book, "Billie Eilish," and the Books for Troops drive.
Last month, the store offered a very special online opportunity through social media.
Three autographed books from singer/songwriter superstar Billie Eilish were made available thanks to publisher, Grand Central Publishing in partnership with Anderson's Bookshop.
The book, "Billie Eilish," offers an upfront look at Eilish's life so far. Readers responded, and a grand total of nearly $500 went to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anderson's Bookshops in downtown Naperville, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. and 5112 Main St. in Downers Grove were delighted to donate these auction proceeds.
NAMI DuPage was founded by a group of parents in 1985 as an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nationwide mental health advocacy organization, begun in 1979, dedicated to improving the quality of lives of people affected by mental illnesses. These parents were looking for services for their children who had been diagnosed with mental illnesses. By joining forces, they thought they could advocate for improved services.
NAMI DuPage has grown from this small handful of people to an organization of over 1,000 members and has become one of the largest and most innovative of 1200 affiliates nationwide. NAMI has been a catalyst for change and reform in DuPage County.
Anderson's Bookshops also hosts a Books for Troops drive to encourage customer donations to help provide books for active duty military personnel. Thanks to a big push for Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, generous area donors offered contributions online and in-person as they visited our store locations. More than $1,000 was donated online and by in-person shoppers.
The Books for Troops program began in June 2011 after an author signing with National Book Award-winning author Jeanne Birdsall. Birdsall mentioned that her nephew, then serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan, enjoyed reading in his rare downtime, but had run out of books. Anderson's Bookshop customers immediately responded with donations and bookseller Erin Keables took it upon herself to find a sponsoring organization so they could launch an official program. Since that time, in partnership with Operation Support Our Troops, the book shop has sent thousands of books to active service members, thanks to the generosity of customers.
Anderson's Bookshops is the only supplier of books to Operation Support Our Troops. They send hundreds of care boxes each month, packed with donation items from generous donors. They aim to deliver books that are entertaining and uplifting. Books are carefully selected and avoid topics such as religion, politics, and war. The goal is to express appreciation for their service, and help lift morale and promote well-being.
Anderson's Bookshop is a six-generation family-run neighborhood independent business with locations in Chicago's western suburbs. The company includes a toyshop and school bookfair division. Recipients of dozens of honors, Anderson's Bookshops share a passion and knowledge of books and of building community through Anderson's Bookshops are located in downtown Naperville at 123 W. Jefferson Ave. and in Downers Grove at 5112 Main St. For additional questions and information, visit AndersonsBookshop.com.