Operation Read is calling on the community to donate new children’s books for families affected by the recent hurricane, aiming to bring comfort, learning and a sense of normalcy to children facing significant disruptions.
Books for ages birth to 12 years are needed and will be delivered to impacted areas on three separate occasions between now and Christmas, according to a press release from Operation Read.
With the help of partner EnPak, Operation Read will collect and shrink-wrap the books for secure delivery. The Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary is helping to coordinate the delivery to impacted areas. Books can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 939 E. Pound Drive North, Warsaw.
“During emergencies, children lose access to safe spaces like schools and libraries, and power outages interrupt typical sources of entertainment. Books provide a crucial escape and can help calm children while keeping them engaged,” said DeeAnna Muraski, executive director at Operation Read. “With many libraries and schools destroyed, these books will also help rebuild essential resources in these communities.”
Operation Read is thrilled to announce three planned deliveries leading up to Christmas, ensuring that families in the hardest-hit areas will receive new books in time for the holidays.
How You Can Help:
• Donate a new book: Drop off new children’s books at 939 E. Pound Drive North, Warsaw (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
• Coordinate a book drop: Schools, churches and local businesses are encouraged to host collection drives to support this initiative. Collected books can then be delivered to EnPak for processing and shipment.
Special thanks to EnPak and Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary for helping make this project possible and to Maria Waltz for asking, “What can we do to help.”