25th Annual Gift of Reading

Donate to a child in need

November 11, 2012
By: Mary Ruthko

The 25th annual Gift of Reading Program has begun! Sponsored by the Bay County Library System, in cooperation with The Literacy Council of Bay County and the Bay City Times, the program collects new books and money to purchase new books for needy children ages birth through 16 in Bay County. Books are then given to many area service agencies, who arrange for the books to be delivered to families.

Agencies who have received books in the past have included: The Salvation Army, The Bay Area Women's Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County, the United Way of Bay County and CAN Council Great Lakes Bay. The Literacy Council will also receive a number of these books to use with children throughout the year. Thanks to generous community donations in 2011, over $3,800 and 276 books were collected, resulting in 1,040 total books given out to needy children.

Individuals, companies, and organizations who are interested in donating money and/or new books can drop them off at any library branch, the bookmobile or directly to the library system's administration office located on the second floor of the Wirt Public Library, 500 Center Avenue in Bay City.

Donations may also be dropped off at the Literacy Council headquarters located at 407 West Ohio Steet in Bay City, or The Bay City Times building located at 311 Fifth Street in Bay City. Please turn in all donations by Saturday, December 8, 2012, so that the books can be delivered in time for the Holiday Season.

Program Coordinator and Administrative Assistant at the Bay County Library System, Eileen Schulz, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. She may be reached at the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Administrative Offices, 500 Center Ave., Bay City, Michigan 48708, via e-mail at eschulz@baycountylibrary.org or by phone at 894-2837 ext. 2225. This charity program is a wonderful way to introduce children to reading and to share in the holiday spirit of giving!