‘Tis the season for giving! Each year we commit to donating to an organization or something to make a difference in someone’s life during the holiday season. For the last couple years, we participated in the Angel Tree, buying presents on a wish list for a child. We have also donated new toys for Stuff the Bus for the Boys and Girls Club. This year we took it a step further and hope you can pay it forward to help your community in the same way.
It all started while at a district PTO meeting when a sole member of the PTO for a Title 1 school stated that they didn’t have books in their library. It was hard for their school to get donations due to the financial limitations in their surrounding area. This broke my heart, knowing that my son’s school has more than enough things at their school in the same district. I knew we had to do something.
I discovered BookOutlet.com where they sell bargain books (new books returned by stores back to the publisher) and slighted damaged books that are discounted more. Books are as cheap as $0.69 for new hardcover books! We ordered 44 bargain books, the most expensive being $1.29, and our total was $40 with free shipping over $35.
I gave my son the option to keep them, donate to his school, or donate to two Title 1 schools. Without hesitation, he said two Title 1 schools. Unfortunately, due to holiday shipping delays, the books were delivered to our house a day after they got out of school for winter break, however we are excited to surprise them when they return to school in the new year!
Now, for the bonus, if you haven’t signed up for Rakuten yet, click here, sign up and get $10 cash back + search for Book Outlet and order to get 5% cash back. I use Rakuten for EVERY online purchase and have received almost $500 cash back this year alone! For everyone that signs up, we will donate an additional $10 in books to Title 1 schools!
We challenge you to help out a local school in need by gifting them books. It doesn’t have to be just for the holidays, it can be anytime. Let’s fill school libraries together and make a difference!
