The Port Huron campus of Ross Medical Education Center was able to donate 147 books during their first annual book drive supporting Better World Books. The drive kicked off on January 5th and lasted throughout the month. All books were accepted and welcomed, so the students, faculty, and staff raided their homes for books that they or their families have already read. The efforts were very well supported by all members of the Ross Port Huron community. The campus came together and were able to do even better than expected through donations of every genre, including fiction, non-fiction, kids, and educational books.
Better World Books was started in 2002 by students from the University of Notre Dame that were just trying to sell their textbooks and make a little money. Then they realized that there was a lot of potential to do something bigger and better. The process of Better World Books is really quite simple: every time a book is purchased from betterworldbooks.com, they donate a book to someone in need. The books they donate go through hundreds of non-profit organizations around the world. For example, Books for Africa and Feed the Children take large numbers of donated books and get them to people who need them.
Ross in Port Huron wanted to donate to this cause because, like Better World Books, they also believe that education and access to books are basic human rights. They are committed to the cause of literacy and the fact that every person should have the chance to achieve their potential and participate fully in society. “Being a high school teacher in the past, I have witnessed firsthand how important it is for kids and adults alike to have books and to enjoy reading,” said Nicole Semrow, Office Assistant. “When reading becomes an everyday activity, it is inevitable for literacy to increase.”
The campus became aware of this local agency when Assistant Campus Director of Education, Stacey Clark, discovered this unique organization. “We are always looking for different ways to give back and let’s be honest, who doesn’t have books at home that they could donate to this great cause? It is an easy way to make a big impact in someone’s life,” she shared. The entire campus loved being a part of this drive and looks forward to doing it annually for years to come.
For more information about Better World Books and its services or how you can get involved please visit http://www.betterworldbooks.com