Devin Cantley, six, picks out a new book from those donated during the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan’s book drive, during Operation School Bell at Alcott Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Photo By Natalie Broda
The Assistance League of Southeast Michigan is currently holding it’s annual book drive which will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 22 during the organization’s Make A Difference Day and the league is still looking for new donated books to reach its goal.
Barb Roller, chairwoman of the book drive, said the event is important because it puts books into the hands of children who might not otherwise have them.
“We are servicing a lower income group here and the parents are concerned about putting food on the table, not about spending extra money on books.” Roller said. “One little boy (during an Operation School Bell event) asked if he could trade in the winter jacket we gave him for another book. It’s just heart wrenching.”
•The league is looking to collect at least 1,000 books for this year’s drive.
•The books, which must be new and for levels kindergarten through sixth grade, can be donated at the ReSale Connection at 204 South Main St. in Rochester by Saturday, Oct. 22.
•The ReSale Connection is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
•The books are used throughout the year for the league’s philanthropic efforts such as Operation School Bell, a tutoring program and Wee Help, which offers free supplies to new mothers.
•The league currently has 965 books, of which about 600 were donated by one member alone.
•The league has also collected $250 in monetary donations for books.
•Leftover books which are not used by the three philanthropic events for the league are donated to local libraries and organizations.
•Over the past three years, the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan has collected and distributed more than 11,000 books.
