Bring a Book, Bring a Friend® Fun’raiser first launched in 2003 as a community book drive organized by Karen Clawson to benefit her children’s school library. Now under the umbrella of the K is for Kids® Foundation, the Fun’raiser has expanded into a month-long celebration that coincides with Naples “high season” in February.Collier County residents are invited to create their own fun’raisers, whether it be at their home or office and encourage guests, employees and visitors to donate new hardcover books which K is for Kids® will distribute to area school libraries and other community organizations with programs aiding the community’s most under-served children. Although hardcover books are most appreciate as they last the longest, paperback and gentle used books are always welcome.
“We’re thrilled to be able to work with our wonderful community partners to fulfill our mission – which is to place books in the hands of as many children as possible,” Clawson says.
Naples Mayor Bill Barnett again proclaims February as K is for Kids Bring a Book, Bring a Friend for Children’s Literacy Month on January 19th and the Collier County Commissioners proclaim it on January 25th.
Additional events during the month include home Friend Fun’raisers, similar to the first gathering Clawson held in her home with friends, neighbors and school staff. Families, neighborhoods, clubs and youth groups are needed and encouraged to host get-togethers to raise donations and/or collect hardcover books for the organization.
“What easier way is there to hold a fundraiser than to invite your friends to come together for wine and cheese or soda and pizza, and enrich a child’s life by donating a book while they’re there?” adds Clawson, “Bring a Book, Bring a Friend® Fun’raisers celebrate two of life’s best offerings — books and friends — while helping children in the community.
“Whether it’s a handful of people or a room full, everyone agrees reading is essential. Think of the happiness even a few books can bring; then imagine what can happen when the whole community gets involved.”
For more information about the K is for Kids® “Kids Celebrate Reading” Book Fair or Book Drive, or if you would like to host a Fun’raiser, call Clawson at 596-KIDS (5437), or visit www.KisForKids.org
About K is for Kids Foundation
Founded in 2008, K is for Kids® Foundation promotes literacy and a love of reading in children by enriching their libraries and expanding their access to books in and out of school. Through its focused efforts, K is for Kids® helps cultivate the skills kids need to be creative thinkers, adventurous problem solvers and visionary leaders.
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SIDEBAR-
You Can Help
– Attend K is for Kids 3rd Annual “Kids Celebrate Reading” Book Fair and Drive on Feb. 12 at Barnes & Noble, Waterside Shops, 12noon-4pm. Mention “K is for Kids” to the cashier and a percentage of ANY purchase will help the Foundation buy much needed books for children throughout Collier County.
– Buy a new book to donate at any of these locations — we’ve got Naples covered! Drop off books at any Starbucks throughout Naples; Silverspot Cinema at Mercato; Reed Orthodontics at Northbrooke Plaza; Naples Mon”Key” Bread on 5th; and Salon C International off Tamiami Trail. Click here to see map of drop-off locations.
– Host a book drive at your place of business for employees and/or visitors; or hold a Fun’Raiser in your home to collect new books and donations,
– Reserve the special edition book, “Wishes, Dreams, Gifts & Things” with a $100 donation.