Throw a Book in Your Bag

Posted on December 15, 2009

It’s the holidays and there’s a million things going on. The last thing on your mind is making a mental packing list for ACCA’s Annual Conference. That’s months from now.

Still, we’re going to take the opportunity during this season of giving to plant a seed. For the seventh year running, ACCA will organize a children’s book donation drive during the conference and Indoor Air Expo. Last year, attendees donated more than 150 books and about $1,000 for Reading Is Fundamental, a national organization with which ACCA has teamed up to get brand new books in the hands of school officials and public librarians.

“We had a very successful drive last year, but this year especially, given the monumental challenges charities and non-profit organizations are facing, we’re pushing even harder to post some record-breaking numbers,” says Hilary Atkins, vice president of finance and administration for ACCA. “This is an important way we can affect the cities in which we host our annual events. A Tampa public library will receive all of the books we collect.”

The “Throw a Book in Your Bag” drive aims to have you to pack a new children’s book in your suitcase and bring it with you to Tampa for the Annual Conference, March 7-10. A large glass tub will be placed outside the expo hall entrance so you can deposit your donation, and attendees can see the volume collected. During the conference, the books and any monetary donations, including one made by ACCA, will be presented to Tampa library officials.

“As you’re finishing up your holiday shopping, consider adding a children’s book or two to your shopping cart,” Atkins says. “Participating by throwing a book in your bag is just one more way you’ll walk away from the ACCA Annual Conference satisfied with your participation.”

Reading Is Fundamental Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. 

For more details on the program, contact Atkins at Hilary.Atkins@acca.org.