The beginning of the new year marked the close of our 2016 Holiday Book Drive, which was a huge success again this year! For the eleventh year in a row the Partnership teamed up with Barnes & Noble at the Streets at Southpoint to provide books to children in Durham. From November 1st through December 31st, customers were able to purchase books for young children who might not otherwise have access to reading materials. This year, more than 3,000 books were collected!
“For more than a decade, Barnes & Noble customers and employees have embraced our annual Holiday Book Drive benefiting Durham’s Partnership for Children. On behalf of Barnes & Noble-Southpoint, I want to thank our customers and booksellers who have once again reflected the spirit of generosity. Thanks to their efforts and kindness, more than 3,000 children in Durham County received the gift of a new book” said Cheri Hodges, Community Business Development Manager.
In addition to individual donors, local publication Carolina Parent also contributed several hundred new books for the second year in a row, adding to the total impact of this project and strengthening ties between businesses and the community.
We have been hard at work organizing the books and distributing them to more than 20 community agencies serving children in home visiting programs, social services, and a variety of family support and family literacy programs. We will continue to give these generously donated books to the children and families who are least likely to have books of their own, and we hope these books will help foster a love of reading for Durham’s youngest learners.
We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble at Southpoint for designating the Partnership as the beneficiary of the Holiday Book Drive, and we extend a big thank-you to all of the community members who donated books for their generosity and continued support!
