Mar 31, 20202 min read

Supporting Our Work Through 401 Gives

Book Are Wings is still working to find unique ways to get books into the hands of children during this time. We are also actively engaged in creating resources for remote learning. With schools and many community gathering places currently closed, Book Are Wings has started working on a unique project to ensure children can still have access to books while they are at home, using sealed bags full of books and resources that will be available to children at meal sites and through partner organizations. In working directly with RIDE and the governor’s office around her April reading challenge, we will ensure that these resources get to as many children as possible.

Executive Director Jocelynn unloads book bags from her car.

Executive Director Jocelynn White conceived of the book bags as a way to stay connected with students and their families while our organization’s regular programming is suspended. Books Are Wings works with students around the state of Rhode Island, with a focus on communities where children often do not have their own books at home.

BAW Intern Brianna packs art supplies and prepares labels for book bags.

BAW aims to close the literacy gap by providing students free age appropriate books that they select themselves. While all students may be out of school in our state, Books Are Wings seeks to keep kids reading by providing families with reading materials when they need them most. Everything will be packed and sealed for 72 hours before they get to our families and partners. Students will safely receive these materials with other distance learning supplies through contactless pickup.

Please consider supporting us tomorrow on April 1st through 401Gives, so we can continue to innovate and meet the needs of the community. Organized by the United Way of RI, they share: “401Gives is an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community. 401Gives is Rhode Island’s 24-hour virtual giving day to support the nonprofits that help make our community a great place to live and provide vital services in times of crisis.”

We need your help! Please join our campaign, share with friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.

Get ready to give! Tomorrow, On April 1st, starting at 6AM, visit https://www.401gives.org and make a donation to us and/or to any of the great participating nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island community. You will have 24 hours to make your donation, and giving will end at 5:59AM on April 2.