CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County (VFL) is teaming up with United Community Bank to put more books into the hands of local children. In honor of National Family Literacy Month, the two organizations have launched the VFL/UCB Children’s Book Drive, with donation bins now open at UCB’s Clarkesville and Cornelia branches.
Community members are encouraged to drop off new or gently used children’s books at UCB branches in Clarkesville and Cornelia through the end of November.
Getting books into the hands of young children
Each year, Kiwanis Toys for Kids helps 500 underserved families pick out Christmas gifts at the First Baptist Church gymnasium. To ensure every child has something to read under the tree, VFL encourages parents to select up to three books per child.
“VFL gives away close to 1,500 new and ‘gently used’ children’s books at the Kiwanis Toys for Kids event each December, and this will help assure that we have plenty of books for families to choose from,” said Kathie Nee, VFL Book Bank/Project Director.
Nee says the greatest need right now is for baby and toddler board books. “Our youngest readers are always the hardest to keep stocked,” she said.
Book donations are accepted year-round at Sharing & Caring in both Clarkesville and Cornelia, which regularly provide VFL with books collected through their own donation channels. “We have a wonderful partnership with them,” Nee added.
Stocking the Little Free Libraries
Beyond seasonal drives, VFL works year-round to expand access to books. The organization maintains 21 Little Free Libraries across Habersham County—including all city parks except Mt. Airy (whose box is located at City Hall), every elementary school, downtown Clarkesville and Demorest, the Habersham Health Department, and the Boys & Girls Club. Donations from the community help keep each location stocked.
VFL expects to distribute close to 5,000 books this year. In October alone, the group handed out more than 800 books during the E-911 Fun Fest. Last summer, through its partnership with Habersham County Schools, another 600 books were provided to students participating in the district’s summer lunch program.
“We planned the book drive to coordinate with National Family Literacy Month, a time when we emphasize the importance of families reading together,” said Phylecia Wilson, VFL Executive Director. “Children are far more likely to succeed in school when parents are involved in their education.”
