Help Jan's Book Angels and Anderson's Bookshops spread love and 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.

Honored by this annual program's connection to young readers is Jan Dundon, a most dedicated supporter. Dundon, Anderson's Bookshop's longtime children's book buyer, is now retired but helped run the program through its substantial development in the communities Anderson's serves. To honor her devotion and love of books, the annual charitable effort carries her name: Jan's Book Angels.

During the coming season, volunteer wrappers are encouraged to help wrap those books, and donors are invited who are willing to give from the heart to make Christmas special for children in need.

This heartfelt effort places books in the hands of area children in need during the holiday season. The store's Angel tree is trimmed with angel tags, each bearing a child's name and age. Donors simply select a tag, and purchase a book to match.

Even simpler? The bookstore can make the matches for you. Or shoppers can just donate any amount of their choosing to our designated Book Angels gift card. It's that easy.

Anderson's offers 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: Humanitarian Service Project, Burr Ridge Community Consolidated School District 180, Cicero Public School District 99, Bridge Communities, Woodridge School District 68, Downers Grove School District 58, Naperville Unit District 203, Valley View School District 365, and Indian Prairie Unit District 204.

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," noted 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."

Then 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 wholesale division.

That shared enthusiasm and generosity mean merrier holidays for area children.

Last year, with the pandemic, the project was small.

This year, hopes are high to reach the Book Angels levels of year's past, benefiting thousands of children. What could be better than offering children a chance to open, discover and own a new book; to sense the smell of paper and ink; to anticipate adventure and to discover new worlds through reading?

Willing to help? To participate in Jan's Book Angel program, call Sue Skells at (630) 355-2665 or stop in to any of the Anderson's Bookshops: 123 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville or 5112 Main St. in Downers Grove. For information, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com.