Book Drive for Kids is celebrating half a decade of operation in the Austin area this spring, said Brooke Terry, director of the Austin chapter.
How it works
The nonprofit expanded to Austin in April 2021, hosting free book fairs at Title I and low-income elementary schools. April 15 marks the organization’s fifth anniversary since its inaugural distribution event.
Book fairs through the nonprofit are free for all students and schools. Children can select the books they want to bring home for their personal library.
Why it matters
Terry founded the organization to promote literacy by providing access to books for children enrolled in low-income schools. In half a decade, Book Drive for Kids has distributed over 50,000 books to homes and classrooms in the Austin area.
During the 2024-25 school year, the nonprofit organization helped nearly 6,500 children, including Title I students, foster care children and at-risk youth, according to its fiscal year 2024-25 impact report.
Lend a hand
Currently, nearly 7,000 students are on a waitlist for a free book fair, Terry said. For community members looking to get involved, Book Drive for Kids is currently in need of volunteers to work at book fairs, handmade bookmarks, cash donations, gift cards to Half Price Books, and books purchased from its online wishlists.