Dear Friends and Supporters,
As I reflect on PoWeR! Book Bags and our mission of increasing language, literacy, and human interactions with underserved children and their families, I am filled with gratitude for all of the tremendous efforts by so many in the community to make it all happen.
We are all coming TOGETHER for the good of children. Our work is more important than ever. Giving kids books to escape into, journals to record feelings, stories, and pictures, and puppets to play with DOES help brighten their world and their future.
It is such a pleasure to work with each of you, both in person and remotely. Thank you so much for being a part of our world!
Wishing you a plentiful season of health, gratitude and goodness!
Kara
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Thanks to Schools, Volunteers,
Donors, and Grants...
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We did it! We successfully delivered nearly 15,000 books and thousands of bags of literacy to kids at our participating schools! Over 5,000 children have now received books. Most have also received bags of literacy materials to enjoy over their upcoming Thanksgiving and holiday times! (For some, the schools are choosing for bags to come later in the year.)
If you aren't familiar with our literacy book bags, the picture below shows the contents. Each contains a beloved finger puppet, a box of crayons, a composition book, and a bookmark. Brand new LOVELY books are then added into the bags. We have a great assortment of books. And believe it or not, kids of ALL ages love the finger puppets -- they naturally stimulate play and language.
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Our Volunteers Came from EVERYWHERE!
....and DELIVERED!
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We were so fortunate this fall! (Actually, we always are.) Our valiant, dependable volunteer team showed up...
Along with some NEW volunteers and entire organizations! THANK YOU ALL!
Everyone worked to stamp thousands of books, package books, fill literacy book bags, pack everything into boxes, and deliver to EVERYWHERE with nothing but gratitude to run on!
In spite of social distancing, working outside (and inside too with all of the windows OPEN even on cold days), and wearing masks, we accomplished so much together! In all, from September until now, we have distributed nearly 20,000 books, along with about 5,000 literacy book bags!
We were so busy working, we often forgot to take pictures. Here are just a few shots of people working together to bring language and literacy experiences to kids in Northwestern Lower Michigan.
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Our Work Isn't Finished...
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There is still much to be done. Pantries need their books and bags (wrapped and carefully packaged).
Hand-crafted book bags for the pantries and family sites of assistance need to to be made, filled and delivered! (These have little create-your-own story booklets inside too -- which also need to be made.)
The next order of books must be placed, sorted, stamped, and organized for deliveries for the remainder of fall, winter and next year.
And all while working remotely.
We have created some 'work at home' project bins. If you are interested in picking up some work and returning it when you are finished, please let us know!
Or if you prefer making deliveries to sites... we are active in 14 counties. Deliveries are 'curbside' from our curb to the destination.
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Giving Tuesday is COMING!
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Many of you have already been quite generous donors this year. And yet, we ask again... we have to order more books and literacy supplies for our winter work and we could still use your help! If your circumstances allow, after you've helped feed their bellies, please help us continue to feed their hearts and minds.
On Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020, for every dollar you give to PoWeR! Book Bags, an additional dollar will be donated through a MATCHING gift by a PoWeR! Book Bags Donor — up to $3,140 (a piece of the pie).
HOW TO GIVE:
Mail: PoWeR! Book Bags P.O. BOX 533 Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Or pay with our PayPal button here.
(And you don't have to wait until Dec. 1 to make a donation!)
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Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 which will supply 10,000 kids each with a new book and give them access to the POSSIBILITIES that literacy provides!
Please send this information to your friends and family, and share our Giving Tuesday posts on Facebook and Instagram. Help PoWeR! Book Bags help kids to become happy, literate adults!
You will be helping to fund programs in 14 counties at schools, Women’s Resource Centers, WIC, family assistance sites, pantries and many more locations!
If you would like your donation to go to a specific program or area, please let us know and we will make sure that happens.
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