10/12/2012
THE LITERACY BOOK DRIVE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND RECEIVE THOUSANDS OF DONATIONS FOR KIDS IMPACTED BY SUPERSTORM SANDY
Daddy Daughter Publishing and TECCS Announces Updates on the "One Book at a Time" Book Drive.
December 10, 2012 (New York, New York) - What started out as a small charitable project that DDP, students, families and faculty staff of TECCS created to help rebuild the home libraries of the children impacted by Superstorm Sandy, has already received staggering results since it was launched just two weeks ago.
Last month, DDP and The Ethical Community Charter School announced the launch of a major initiative, "One Book at a Time" to help kids from grade levels PK to 6, that have been impacted by the effects of Sandy. The coalition began collecting books for children and has now expanded its outreach to selected schools and libraries in need throughout the Tri-state area.
TECCS Family & Teachers Association Co-President, Lameesha Nunn stated, "I live in Coney Island and because I have lost so many items as a result of Hurricane Sandy including my personal book collection. I believe others like myself would definitely appreciate personal donations that would alleviate the feeling that come with such a trying experience as this."
In just two weeks the results have been staggering:
The "One Book at a Time" drive has currently collected 3,000 new and gently used books with commitments for hundreds more.
Participating organizations have included: Books For Kids, Imani House, Hour Children, Literacy Nation, Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Common Grounds Cafe, Brooklyn Music School, Brooklyn Community Board 3, Bedford- Stuyvesant Youth, Education and Safety Task Force and many more.
Following the tremendous support that the Book Drive has generated thus far, DDP and TECCS has announced that its goal is to reach 5,000 books by December 20th.
The book drive continues to draw tremendous attention and acceptance throughout Brooklyn. This past Friday, The Ethical Community Charter School collected tons of books during its Fourth Annual Cultural Potluck Dinner, where special guest Congressman-Elect Hakeem Jeffries from the 8th Congressional District attended and gave his support. Even a local fireman volunteered to es**rt the donated books to the Rockaways in his fire truck.
Those wanting to contribute to the book drive can drop off books at locations below:
Common Grounds Cafe - 376 Tompkins Ave. Brooklyn, 11216
Brooklyn Music School - 126 St. Felix st, Brooklyn, 11217
T.E.C.C.S - 700 Park Ave. 3rd Fl. Brooklyn, 11206 (Mail Donations Accepted)
"It's been very inspiring to watch our community come together to help children in greater need and it shows the importance of literacy said Ephraim Benton, co-founder of Daddy Daughter Publishing. "Schools that have lost everything, have been thrilled with excitement when I tell them they have been chosen to receive the donated books."
A list of upcoming "One Book at a Times" donation recipients is included below.
Monday, December 10th: Annual Red Hook Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 14th: PS 15 Patrick F Daly School in Red Hook
Wednesday, December 19th: PS 188, 288 & 329 Schools in Coney Island
Friday, December 21st: PS 106, Challenger Preparatory Charter School & The Averne Library Branch in Far Rockaway
Friday, December 21st: Head Start Program in conjunction with The Caribbean American Center of NY & State Senator Kevin Parker in Staten Island
TBD, December: Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor, NJ and New Hope Baptist Church Toy Drive in Newark, New Jersey
ABOUT DADDY DAUGHTER PUBLISHING
Daddy Daughter Publishing team that creates stories. Co-founded by Amber at the age of Seven and her father Actor Ephraim Benton. http://www.daddydaughterpub.com/
ABOUT T.E.C.C.S
TECCS is a free public charter school based on a progressive education model and guided by the highest ideals of ethics, service and social justice. http://www.teccs-ny.org/
Imani House, Inc.
Children's Book Publishing Company Daddy Daughter Publishing team that creates stories. We will be releasing our first of many books in June 2011.
