A donation by the so-called ‘Book Angel’ has once again kick started the local Books for Kids campaign, organized once again by GuelphToday in support of the Salvation Army.
The campaign collects donated new books, which are then distributed through the Salvation Army’s Christmas hamper program.
On Dec. 15, Guelph Storm fans are asked to bring their donation to the Sleeman Centre to be collected by volunteers and then distributed to the Salvation Army to be included in their Christmas hampers for needy families.
Last year, Storm fans donated a total of 575 new books for the program during the Books for Kids Night.
Once again, Guelph’s mysterious Book Angel has made her annual donation.
The Bookshelf's Stephanie Minett said the Book Angel came in last week to generously support the campaign and has already picked up this year’s selection from the local book store.
“This one particular lady, for several years running now, has been contributing to the program by coming into our store and buying up $5,000 of merchandise,” said Minett.
The Book Angel chooses to remain anonymous, said Minett.
A 20 per cent discount was offered to the Book Angel by the Bookshelf to allow her money to stretch even further, said Minett.
The Bookshelf staff assists the Book Angel in selecting books for the donation, which Minett said included picture books, board books, young adult and chapter books, among others.
Including the discount, $7,000 worth of books were donated for this year’s campaign.
Those interested in donating new books may drop them off at the Salvation Army Citidel on Gordon Street or at the Bookshelf on Quebec Street.The Book Angel made her first donation of $5,000 toward the Books for Kids campaign in 2011, when it was organized by the Guelph Mercury daily newspaper.
GuelphToday took lead of the Books for Kids campaign in 2016, more than a year after the daily newspaper ceased circulation.
Despite the change in organization for the campaign, some former Mercury employees continued to support it last year, including former editor Phil Andrews and his family.
Click play on the video below to see a video from last year's Books for Kids night at the Sleeman Centre:
