My family's retail store, Alderson's Store, (the oldest in West Virginia) has had a Holiday Children's Book Drive for Alderson and Ronceverte Elementary Schools for nine years now! That means I work to curate and collect 600 books during the busiest season of the year! It's not an easy task, but it's become a tradition that I'm told means so much to the schools, teachers, parents, and most importantly, the students. Now past students even come back to donate because they remember what it meant to them! Families make it a tradition to come in and pick out books to give each year. What's particularly special is that I make sure these books are all about West Virginia and Appalachia. Most are by West Virginia and Appalachia authors. And all the books are brand new! I carefully curate the choices each year using feedback from teachers, parents, and students as to what books and authors resonate best with the kids. And I try to find new titles to add each year.
In the past couple of years, we've barely made our goal at the last minute. This year is tougher than ever because people are struggling, prices are up, there are many areas in need of donations, our deadline of December 17th is earlier than ever, and book prices have also gone up.
Because of that, I'm trying something new here. I'm trying a personal GoFundMe in order to make it easier for friends of mine on Facebook to donate any amount quickly and easily that I can donate directly to the Drive to help reach the final goal. I realize I have friends far and wide who don't ever see anything about this drive who may be willing to help a child get a new book at school before their holiday break this year! ❤️ My initial goal is $1000. That helps get a little over 100 books. It would mean a lot! If 100 of my friends donated just $10, that would make it! Obviously, donating more helps get more books. They average $10 a piece. And our total goal is 600 books. But here I'm just asking for $1000. Because that will help when we get down near the end.
I would appreciate each and every donation more than I can say!! I can give it to help make the Christmas of 600 children with an extra special gift!! ❤️