There are more than a dozen different community service activities going on across Northeast Ohio for Make a Difference Day, Oct. 22.
But if you love books and want to help lift the local literacy rate, then sorting books at the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is the place to be.
It’s a huge warehouse in Cleveland’s Midtown Corridor that is home to cartons and cartons of new and gently used children’s books.
Since it opened earlier this year, its already had a major impact, says Executive Director Judy Payne.
The Kids’ Book Bank has distributed more than 200,000 books free of charge to low-income families and children through government agencies, organizations, preschools and afterschool and tutoring programs.
A large quantity of its books will come through a partnership with online bookseller, Discover Books.
Volunteers are key to the daily operation.
They come here almost every day to sort the books into age-appropriate categories, so that they can be given away.
If you’d like to help out, by spending a Saturday afternoon in the company of books and book-lovers, then make this your Make a Difference Day choice.
If you are interested in participating, you can sign up here, or by calling 216.736.7711.
Make a Difference Day began in 1992 and has become one of the largest annual single days of service nationwide. The volunteer initiative is guided by TEGNA Inc., the parent company of WKYC, and Gannett media properties. It receives support from Arby’s Foundation and Points of Light.
“TEGNA’s purpose is to empower the people we serve and make a positive impact in our communities,” said TEGNA Chief Executive Officer and President Gracia Martore in a statement. “Make a Difference Day provides us an opportunity to do just that.”