From Big Brothers Big Sisters:
At our annual Holiday Party we at Big Brothers Big Sisters distribute toys to all the participating children. Through our involvement with Richmond Region Reads we saw a wonderful opportunity to offer them books as well. The reaction surprised us all. While pleased to receive toys, the level of excitement and elation over the books far exceeded our expectations. The children clamored to look at the various books, commenting on the variety and quality. Many had a very hard time making a choice. “To take home? For my very own?” were common remarks. “Dinosaurs! I LOVE dinosaurs!” The children spontaneously responded to the stimulation the books provided in ways that warmed the hearts of all those who witnessed this marvelous testimony to the human spirit. Also, many children frequently asked if they might take home a book for their siblings as well (Of Course!). It has been such a success that we have incorporated an offering of books at each of our scheduled events over the year. Thank you so much!
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From: Read Aloud Virginia:
Every inner-city Richmond parent who attended the READ ALOUD VIRGINIA SANTA BREAKFAST last December read a beautiful new Christmas Book aloud to their child during the breakfast. They couldn’t believe that they could keep the books too! These donations from the Book Bank added smiles and giggles of joy to over 200 people who attended. Parents learned why they should have lots of books and read to their children in their homes. Thanks, Book Bank!
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From a Title One School in Henrico County:
Last year was our first time getting books from the Book Bank. Yes, there were lots of “oohs & ahhs”. “I like this book”. These comments do not begin to express the delight and joy shown on the faces of our children. Again...THANK YOU!
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Thanks so much for offering this book bank in the Richmond area. I teach in a very transient area of Southside and many of the students have thoroughly enjoyed receiving a new book from their teacher.
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I’ve had a Hispanic 3rd grader thank me for giving her a book she could read to her baby brother in Spanish. Another Hispanic 3rd grader uses the books to help teach her family of 8 how to read in English.
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From a program held at the library:
It’s difficult to convey the delight children have expressed when receiving a Book Bank book. One response that’s stuck with me is “I get to keep it forever?” with an awed smile.
It’s been great to see children winning reading incentives choose to keep the Book Bank books even over free toys. Thank you for all your organizations’ good work promoting ownership of reading skills in children.
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From a teacher in Southside Richmond:
I know the Book Bank has made a difference for my kids because of their love of reading and how ell they all read. I can’t thank Morgan and the Book Bank enough. It is a wonderful program and it means a lot to me and to my children. Thank you.
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From a School Nutrition Specialist:
The Richmond Public schools; School Nutrition Services Department asked the Book Bank to donate free books for our Employee and Family Appreciation Day. The children were so overwhelmed to receive brand new books. Some started reading the books as soon as they received them. The parents were so happy and surprised; that some asked if they could have books, as well. Many of the parents could not believe that there were books from their childhood. But, they realized they could read them with their children.
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From the United Way:
Thank you so very much for your support in supplying books to the children of Petersburg during the 2006 Holiday Parade. With the support of the Book Bank, The Petersburg Breakfast Rotary was able to distribute over 1,000 books to children ranging from infant to early elementary.
When distributing the books to the children, every face lit up as they received a book. This allowed us the opportunity to show literacy as a gift to the children.
I know that the Book Bank is an invaluable asset to the Greater Richmond & Petersburg region because it allows the opportunity for organizations to share the gift of reading with children.
I hope that the Book Bank will continue to operate and multiply in size so that more children will have access to a great diversity of reading material for their homes.
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From the Richmond Police Department:
I received books for a program through the Richmond Police Department. The program – City Treats – assigns units within the Department to donate treats on Halloween to schools within the city. I am a marketing and public relations specialist in the Public Affairs unit. My unit donated treat bags, toothbrushes, and Halloween Books (lots of fabulous books!) from the Book Bank to Southampton Elementary School. When we delivered the treats and books the children and the school’s staff were very excited. They had never received books as a part of the program. It was exciting to know that not only were the kids getting tasty treats, but they also had a great book that would last much longer than the goodies. I hope that the Book Bank will continue to provide such wonderful services. Thanks again!
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