BelieveNBooks has reached a milestone of 250,000 books distributed, including books placed in the hands of children through Southwest Florida schools and community organizations. The youth-founded nonprofit provides free books to children from birth through age 18, with several recipient partners serving families in Collier and Lee Counties.
According to BelieveNBooks, the organization has provided books to about 45,000 children during its first five years.
How did BelieveNBooks reach 250,000 books?
BelieveNBooks began in 2021 after founder Natasha Agarwal noticed that some children in her community had limited access to books during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started with a local book drive developed into an organization that collects gently used books and purchases additional titles with donated funds.
The nonprofit works with schools, civic groups and community organizations to organize book drives. Its recipient partners named in the announcement include Guadalupe Center, Grace Place, Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County and Harlem Heights Community Charter School.
The 250,000th book came from Canterbury School of Fort Myers during the school’s sixth annual book drive. Agarwal, a Canterbury alumna, also collected her first donated book through the school.
Where did the milestone book go?
The milestone book, Interrupting Chicken, traveled from Canterbury student Cameron Duffeck to 5-year-old Gael Gonzalez, a student at Guadalupe Center.
The presentation took place as part of Guadalupe Center’s Focus on Four celebration, an annual event recognizing VPK students and their families as children prepare to enter kindergarten. Participating students also selected books to take home.
The milestone highlights one practical goal of BelieveNBooks’ work: helping children access books outside the classroom. The organization says it now distributes books through more than 50 partner organizations.
How can Southwest Florida families support BelieveNBooks?
Families, schools and community groups interested in supporting BelieveNBooks can organize book drives or donate books. The organization says it coordinates drives with several types of local groups, including:
- Schools
- Churches
- Scouting groups
- Neighborhood associations
- Sports teams
BelieveNBooks also accepts book donations at an Estero location, although families should check current donation instructions before making a trip. More information is available at believenbooks.org.