Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is known for helping people in the community in overcoming barriers to employment. This is done through donations at the retail stores and express locations around town. Currently, the nonprofit is hosting a book drive for its BookWorks program through March 15.
BookWorks promotes a love of reading among at-risk students to support their success in school. Goodwill volunteers read the donated books in preschool and primary classrooms, and participating children receive a book to take home as well. For many, it is the first book they can call their own.
During the book drive, Goodwill is accepting new or gently used books that are suitable for ages 3 to 6 at any Goodwill store, Donation Xpress center or Job Connection Center. Goodwill is also recruiting volunteers to sort books as they come in for the length of the book drive. Sorting will take place at Goodwill headquarters on South Orange Blossom Trail from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
While the book drive ends on March 15, Goodwill actively seeks book donations for the BookWorks program year-round.