During May, a Children’s Book Drive was conducted in Norwalk. This was the second year of the initiative and it was again a tremendous success, and one we hope to continue for many years to come.
First, we must thank all those who donated books to this meaningful endeavor. These generous donations will go directly back into the community via children’s book distributions and programs of the participating agencies —namely, Norwalk Reads, City of Norwalk Early Childhood Council and United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. And if by chance this Children’s Book Drive passed you by, you can always donate new or gently used children’s books to any local library (labeled for Norwalk Children’s Book Drive).
We also wish to thank those who hosted drop-off locations: Norwalk City Hall; EVEN Hotel; Hilton Garden Inn; Courtyard by Marriott; DoubleTree Norwalk; Norwalk Inn & Conference Center; Hotel Zero Degrees; Norwalk Fire Department; Norwalk Police Department; Norwalk Housing Authority; Norwalk Public Library; South Norwalk Public Library; and East Norwalk Library — and my place of employment, the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. And we would be remiss if we did not provide special thanks to The Hour/Hearst Media for all its vital help, as well as our friends at Norwalk ACTS.
Last, I would like to thank the small team who made it all happen: Mary Oster, City of Norwalk Early Childhood Council; Cathy DeCesare, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County; Stephen Bentkover, Norwalk Reads; Chris Bradley, Norwalk Public Library; and Stan Siegel, East Norwalk Library.
This Children’s Book Drive has proven once again that Norwalk is truly a community that cares, and one that understands and values the dividends that come with investing in literacy and learning — and most importantly, investing in children.
Brian Griffin
Board member, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
Norwalk Reads