My Nonprofit Reviews

This is an AMAZING organization with a mission to promote literacy, foster a love of reading, and improve lives throughout the metropolitan area, as well as globally. The Book Fairies collects donations of new and used children's and adult books and distributes them via numerous programs to underserved areas. The brand new children's books go to free book fairs in local schools where children who typically would not be able to buy their own books can choose two free, high interest books to take home and keep. The expression on the children's faces at these book fairs says it all! Gently used books are offered at monthly community book fairs to teachers in high needs school districts, who can come to The Book Fairies warehouse and select as many as they want for their classrooms. Donated books that are gently used are also shared with shelters, hospitals, correctional facilities, and an overseas literacy partnerships. Best of all, this occurs through the work of volunteers, including interested community members, businesses, teachers, corporate volunteer groups, and a partnership with special needs adults who then have the opportunity to give back to the community. In fact, over 2 million books have been distributed since 2012! Initially, I volunteered because The Book Fairies' mission matched my own as an educator and, quite frankly, because their volunteers do not have to commit to any specific schedule. Volunteers are doing meaningful work any time they might be available, and no special skills or time commitment are required. Interested adults can just show up at the warehouse in Freeport between 10 and 2 any Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or for community service hours with family members on monthly Sunday community book sorting days, receive 10 minutes of training, and then participate in sorting books by type such as baby books, picture books, children's chapter books, adult books, etc. But after my first day as a volunteer and seeing all the ways The Book Fairies promotes literacy, I was totally hooked, and now make it a regular part of my life. Volunteers and donations of books and/or money are always welcome! thebookfairies.org