Martin Luther King Jr. Day book drive sets ambitious goal
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Dream Big Book Drive is the biggest single-day book drive in the Triangle and this year organizers set themselves an ambitious target.
They're trying to collect 40,000 books at the Carolina Theater in Durham in just three hours.
"Growing up I really didn't have as much access to books so I really appreciate this cause," said Charlissa Copeland, who donated books.
The event is put on every year by Book Harvest NC. In just three years, the nonprofit has provided more than 300,000 books to needy children in our area.
"More than half of our low-income kids are growing up without any books at home," said Ginger Young, the Book Harvest Founder and Executive Director.
Research reveals reading is the key to a successful life. However, in some of the country's poorest neighborhoods there's only one book available for every 300 children.
Durham Mayor Bill Bell urged the community to help in a city where nearly one in five people are considered poor.
"As rich as we are in this City of Durham and the Research Triangle Park, we in Durham still have too much poverty," said Bell.
Our own Tisha Powell took part this year and brought a big donation of 500 books from ABC11.
Organizers say their inspiration for the book drive comes from Dr. King's vision in which every child has a chance to reach their full potential.
Go to www.bookharvestnc.org for details on making a donation.
