By: Noelle Lambert
November’s Charity of the Month is
The Book Fairies
The Book Fairies is an organization located in Freeport, NY. Six years ago, founder Amy Zaslansky heard about a classroom that had no books to offer to its students. Amy decided to start a book drive for used children’s books so she could hopefully be able to donate books to this classroom. By word of mouth and hard work, this drive took off and resulted in a final donation of about 3,500 books!
Driven by her desire to make a difference in her community, Amy later created The Book Fairies, a 501(c)3 non-profit. The Book Fairies accepts donations of new and gently used books, and connects them with libraries, schools, veteran organizations, soup kitchens and more organizations throughout all five boroughs and on Long Island that do not have the funds to foster the love of reading.
Reading materials can not only foster literacy and academic success, but they can also provide a respite from personal struggles and nature a love of reading across age groups.
Every book that they collect goes through sorting, their process of thoroughly examining the type of book and condition it’s in. With only 2 staff members, The Book Fairies heavily relies on the work of selfless volunteers.
If you would like to get involved with The Book Fairies, you can! They are in need of sorting volunteers to come to their Freeport location on one of their sorting days (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) and help sort through all their current book donations. If you are 13 or older you can come alone and if you are younger than 13 you will need a guardian to accompany you. If you’re interested in volunteering as a sorter, there is no need to reserve your space. Simply show up at their Freeport location (70 North Main St. – Back Entrance) on one of their sorting days between 10AM and 3PM!
Additionally, book donations and financial donations are always welcome and The Book Fairies is in need of corporate sponsors. Please contact Rebecca Lakhani at Rebecca@TheBookFairies.org if you are interested in any of the above opportunities!
Interested in benefiting from The Book Fairies? You can! If you are a teacher or someone who needs reading materials for your organization, do not hesitate to reach out. Also, The Book Fairies receives numerous faith based books for all age levels. If you are a house of worship, a religious school or another community organization that could use these books, you can contact this organization today!
Another organization you can become involved with:
Lodestar Children’s Services
www.LodestarCS.org
Lodestar Children’s Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that formed in 2016 with a mission to “empower children and families”. Lodestar is a difference maker in children’s mental health on Long Island. Currently, they serve 70+ families with the goal of preventing out-of-home placement by providing in-home support and assistance to families with children who have severe psychiatric disabilities. This organization is pleased to partner with American Legion Babylon Post #94 for the “Help Kids In Need Succeed” fundraising event on November 17th at 22 Grove Place in Babylon. This event will run from 6PM-10PM and tickets are $20 per person. The event will include a buffet dinner, soda, beer and wine, as well as 48 raffle baskets! Please contact James Regan at 631-767-1589 or by e-mail at JRegan@LodestarCS.org for more information or visit www.LodestarCS.org/fundraiser.html to buy an event ticket today!
If you would like your organization to be featured in the column, e-mail Noelle@SouthBaysNeighbor.com!
Recent Comments