In partnership with Scholastic, Inc., a publisher of educational and children’s books, Volunteers of America of Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho distributes nearly 60,000 new children's books to low income and at-risk children and adolescents each year.
Because we believe that reading books opens doors and minds, the goal of the Scholastic Book Grants Program is to ensure that each book donation has a significant impact on fostering literacy and joy in a child who has limited access to books.
Scholastic ships the books in “gaylords,” huge cardboard bins that hold 2,000 books each. Every year, up to 30 gaylords arrive at the VOA Thrift Store warehouse in Spokane.
The boxes include educational toys, face paint and other gift items used for special occasions, such as parties for foster children, Clifford parties, Harry Potter parties and Kids’ Day at Riverfront Park.
Volunteers help sort the books by age group, paper/hardback, and focus to make sure every child receives the perfect book.With the assistance of a variety of community organizations and volunteers, books are distributed through:
Volunteers of America is one of several key national nonprofit organizations that are well suited to reach the nation's at-risk children and has participated in the program since 1999. Nationally, Scholastic donates more than one million books to Volunteers of America programs each year.
To volunteer, receive more information or find out how your organization can receive Scholastic books from Volunteers of America, contact us at 509.624.2378.
Serving word kids in our community (Spokesman Review)
Giving children books opens their minds, expands opportunities (The Fig Tree)