This time of year finds holiday elves hard at work making the season bright, but at Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange, the hard work is being accomplished by “Book Angels,” doing their part to spread the love of literacy.
Honored by this annual program’s connection to young readers is Jan Dundon, a most dedicated supporter. Dundon, Anderson’s Bookshop’s longtime children’s book buyer, is now retired but helped run the program through its substantial development in the communities Anderson’s serves. To honor her devotion and love of books, the annual charitable effort carries her name: Jan’s Book Angels.
During the coming month, volunteer wrappers are encouraged to help wrap those books, and donors are invited who are willing to give from the heart to make Christmas special for children in need.
This heartfelt effort places books in the hands of area disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The store’s Angel tree is trimmed with angel tags, each bearing a child’s name and age. Donors simply select a tag, and purchase a book to match. (Even simpler? The bookstore will make the matches for you.) It’s that easy.
Anderson’s offers a discount on all Jan’s Book Angel purchases, wraps each selection and delivers the books to area charities. Included among those selected charities are: Bridge Communities, SmartSteps Foundation, Humanitarian Service Project, Indian Prairie Community Unit School Dist. 204, Naperville Community Unit School Dist. 203, Project Angels Eyes (of Lurie Children’s Hospital), GirlForward, Masonic Children’s Home, Downers Grove Public School Dist. 58, Woodridge School Dist. 68, Cicero Public School Dist. 99, Keeneyville School Dist. 20, The Leader Shop, Partners for Success Alternative School, Aurora’s Greenman Elementary School, Valley View Unit School District 365U, Willowbrook Community Consolidated School District 180 and Constance Morris House, La Grange.
Individuals, organizations and classrooms have donned their “angel wings” to help the Jan’s Book Angel program. Donors young and old step up to help. Big or small, all gifts are encouraged.
“Every year the lists of children’s names seem to grow, but so does our community’s generosity,” noted Sue Skells, Jan’s Book Angel coordinator. “This year we expect a similar outpouring of support from our “Angels.” Such gifts of the heart are welcome.”
Then above and beyond what Anderson’s generous donors contribute, books are also provided by Anderson’s Bookshops and Anderson’s Bookfair Company, Anderson’s Aurora-based children’s book wholesale division.
That shared enthusiasm and generosity mean merrier holidays for area children.
Last year, the effort delivered gift books to over 2,500 children who then had a chance to open and own a new book; to sense the smell of paper and ink; to anticipate adventure and to discover new worlds through reading.
Willing to help? To participate in Jan’s Book Angel program, please call Sue Skells at (630) 355-2665 or stop in to any of the Anderson’s Bookshops: 123 W. Jefferson Avenue, Naperville; 5112 Main Street, Downers Grove; or 26 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange. www.andersonsbookshop.com