Bookstore drive for books, toys benefits kids at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield.
HOLYOKE –Customers of a local bookseller are fostering a love of reading in children at Shriners Hospitals for Children as they participate in a holiday book drive through Christmas.
Barnes and Noble in Holyoke is helping the young patients at the Shriners hospital in Springfield by inviting customers to purchase and donate books, toys or games for the children.
“We thought we’d be the perfect partners,” said Nicole Y. Stephen, community relations manager for Barnes and Noble, after learning of the hospital’s practice of giving thousands of new books each year to patients.
"Barnes and Noble is thrilled to give the gift of literacy this holiday season to children in our local community."
Stephen said the Holyoke store's choice of partnering with the hospital is already being validated, with some 500 items donated thus far by customers.
Lee A. Roberts, public relations specialist for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, said it is a mission of Shriners to "encourage reading" among its patients. Shriners hospitals treat patients, generally up to the age of 18, around the country, as well as from abroad.
“Shriners is about the whole child. Everyone wants to wipe out illiteracy, and Shriners Hospitals wants to play a part in it," Roberts said.
Shriners in Springfield is a "40-bed pediatric orthopaedic hospital, research and teaching center providing comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative care to children with orthopaedic conditions, and cleft lip and palate."
Among the popular items being donated, Stephen said, are “Little Golden Books,” which many customer remember from their own childhood. They have Disney themes, relate fairy tales or feature popular cartoon characters.
Prices start at $3.99.
All donations to the holiday book drive must be purchased at the store.
According to Roberts, only new items can be accepted “as part of our infectious control policy.”
Stephen has been impressed with the generosity of customers.
“When people hear we are partnering with Shriners Hospitals—a…recognized name—they are more than willing” to donate, she said.
All customers are asked to participate in the drive and leave their donation at the store to be delivered to the hospital.
“Their generosity is greatly appreciated,” Roberts said.