JFCS of the Suncoast Kicking Off Eighth Annual Book Drive

January 23, 2023 – Sarasota

JFCS of the Suncoast is kicking off its eighth annual “Take-a-Look, Buy-a-Book” book donation drive on Feb. 1 to spread the joy of reading to children.

Each year, JFCS collects and distributes nearly 4,000 new books to promote literacy among local children in pre-K through Grade 5, with special emphasis on low-income and at-risk families. Books are also given to infants and toddlers, as well as older children in middle and high school. 

“Please support our children and help open a new chapter in their lives by joining JFCS’ literacy campaign,” said Sheila Birnbaum, a JFCS volunteer and founder of the “Take-a-Look, Buy-a-Book” program. “There’s a measure of dignity attached to owning, enjoying, and sharing books. What better way to teach the love of reading than to give these at-risk children a gift.”

The book drive runs from Feb. 1 – March 31, 2023. Community members can participate by:

• Delivering or shipping new books for infants through teenagers directly to the main JFCS office at 2688 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237.
• Encouraging organizations, neighborhoods, social clubs, businesses, friends, and other groups to organize a book collection among their members. A designated person can collect the books and deliver them to JFCS.
• Making a monetary donation online to go toward the purchase of books. To donate, click here and choose “Book Drive” in the drop-down menu.

Donated books will be distributed to JFCS clients who participate in a variety of programs, including Camp Mariposa, Ignite/REACH, Veterans Services, Homeless Prevention, Youth Services and more. Books will also go to local Title I schools, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, summer reading programs and other organizations such as The Haven, All Star Children’s Foundation, Bucket of Books, and more.

For additional information:Contact Sheila Birnbaum at SheilaBirnbaum@AOL.com.

To arrange a drop-off or delivery: Contact Karen Pharo, JFCS Director of Outreach, at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org.