Last month, 13,661 books were collected and distributed by 36 Massachusetts credit unions for the Children's Book Drive to numerous family service agencies including the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless to benefit thousands of children in need. In sixteen years, Massachusetts Credit Unions through the Association have donated more than 295,000 books within the state, closing in on nearly 300,000.
The Children's Book Drive celebrates the value of reading by providing thousands of books that give children hours upon hours of reading to open their imaginations and become inspired.
It is hard to imagine that the simple act of donating a book could make a difference in a child's life.� But it is true. Reading is both a vital skill for children and an important source of knowledge that lasts a lifetime in so many ways. It helps young children expand their vocabulary and writing skills, promotes healthy social and emotional development, and longer attention span that translates to better retention in school.The credit unions that participated in the Children's Book Drive went a long way in helping the Coalition as well as other agencies give less fortunate and homeless children throughout the Commonwealth a book of their own.
Many credit unions work with their local sponsor companies, schools, community groups, members, etc. Members Plus Credit Union in Medford collected books in all five of their branches and received several hundred books from the Mount Alvernia High School in Newton. In an effort to support literacy and as part of a community project, students from the high school collected and donated the books to the credit union. "We truly enjoy participating in this annual drive and while the effort is small the rewards are great to the children that we support," stated John Murphy, president/CEO of Members Plus Credit Union. Credit unions such as Digital Federal Credit Union in Marlborough nearly doubled their donation this year by including all their branches in the effort of collecting books. Southbridge Credit Union also doubled their numbers this year. Homefield Credit Union in Grafton coordinates with the Northbridge Cub Scouts every year as they generally donate hundreds of books.
Hanscom Federal Credit Union located in Hanscom AFB had another successful year and reached an all-time high for collecting the most number of books at 3,225. Many hands make it a great success at the credit union such as Hanscom Air Force Base thrift shop which contributes books donated by patrons. "Kids and families living in shelters or who are homeless are in a tough spot," noted Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. "Many of them have no books of their own, or have had to leave them behind. Our staff and members are well aware of the impact the book drive has. It's a gift that can last a lifetime."� Rounding out the top five credit unions are Digital Federal Credit Union, Marlborough, 1,531; MassMutual Federal Credit Union, Springfield, 1,070; Members Plus Credit Union, Medford, 844; and Freedom Credit Union, Springfield, 797.
Once again, the books were distributed to a wide variety of non-profit organizations including the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.� The agencies that received the books expressed their gratitude and pleasure with the quantity and the quality of the books.� St. Anne's Credit Union of Fall River, Mass. was one that donated books to the local Children's Museum within the community. Landmark Credit Union in North Adams donated the books to a local elementary school. Brookline Municipal Credit Union donated books to the Brookline Housing Authority where the books will go to the early education program as well as into book kiosks installed in the courtyards of its family developments.
