book drive

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are excited to announce that we will be collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for youth, ages infant to 18 years old.  The books will be donated to the local Salvation Army for their annual Christmas gift giving campaign.

Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively.  The gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence in children.

You can drop books off at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension office (420 East Main St., Batavia), Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  There is a collection bin set up near the reception area window.  Donations of new books can be made through Dec. 4.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

Please contact Jan at 585-343-3040 x132 if you have questions.

“CCE of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Alea Williams wanted to do something for all the sick children in the hospital for Christmas this year. A fifth-grade student at Oakfield Alabama, Alea decided to start a book drive around Thanksgiving. 

The drive is called Books for Cancer and Alea was motivated to begin the drive after meeting Austin Heineman, whose dad is friends with her mom. A  2012 Pembroke High School graduate, Austin has been fighting a rare juvenile cancer since 2011.

Alea's mom and dad, Dawn and Chad Williams, helped her make donation boxes and her teachers helped her distribute fliers at school. After only a few short weeks, Alea was able to collect five boxes full of books, crayons, coloring books and coloring supplies. Donation boxes were set up at Jagged Edges Salon, The Farm, Center Stage Dance, AAkron Rule, and at Alea's school.

Today, Alea and her family collected the donation boxes and brought them to Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo. The pediatric Christmas Party takes place Dec. 16 and Alea wanted the children there to enjoy a new book in time for Christmas.

The book drive will continue throught Dec. 18 and books will still be accepted at the above locations until then.

Alea with her mom and dad, Dawn and Chad Williams, picking up a donation box.