News Release: Starbucks Coffee Houses throughout Collier and Lee counties, in recognition of the company’s Global Month of Community Service running throughout April, is launching a book drive fun’raiser for K is for Kids Foundation in support of its mission to give children in need more books to read.
K is for Kids wishes to thank all the Starbucks partners who have collected books for Collier County children every year during our Bring a Book, Bring a Friend for Children's Literacy Month. Since October 2008, when we launched our first county-wide book drive under the umbrella of K is for Kids Foundation, Starbucks partners have collected thousands of books for children in need. Shown above, Starbucks partners at Berkshire Lakes show a few books of the bounty they received, much of which, they reported, were from one mom who donated boxes-full to the cause.
Each store in Naples will be hosting “Story Time” readings throughout the month on different days with Starbucks partners (employees) reading from their favorite childhood stories.
For example, Starbucks at the Crossroads Shopping Center in the Vineyards will feature story time on Thursday evening from five to seven p.m. and will be offering youngsters free hot chocolate. Customers can see the schedule of story times posted on each store’s community board.
The public is invited to drop off books for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, at any Starbucks store into the red baskets provided. Hardcover books are most appreciated as they last the longest, however paperbacks and gently used books are welcome, too. Books may also be dedicated or signed by the donors and children are encouraged to help their parents select their most beloved stories or dust off their bookshelves at home to find a book that can donated to a less fortunate child.
Cash donations of one-dollar and five-dollar increments will also be accepted at Starbucks and donors may have their name written on the red and orange bookmarks that will be displayed in the coffee houses in acknowledgment of their donation. Books donated or purchased with monies donated will be distributed in May so that children may “power up with reading” over the summer and again in September to help rekindle students’ interest in reading new stories. All books will benefit the local children in the county in which they are raised.
K is for Kids’ Teen Advisory Team, formed by local high school students, will be organizing the books for distribution. Teens may sign up by calling or texting 239.595.0077. Students volunteering will earn community service hours.
