Books A Million (BAM) in Branson teamed with the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County for a successful book drive with the goal to bring joy and learning opportunities to children in Taney County. The Book Drive began on July 21 and ended on August 18. The drive supported the JATC’s Celebrate Reading project.

According to a press release from the JATC, the drive surpassed its goal with community support.

“With the dedicated efforts of BAM managers Katrina Schrader and Nikki Williams, and the coordination of Celebrate Reading project chair Sheila Martin, the book drive achieved an impressive 101.06% of its goal.” JATC Corresponding Secretary Sheryl Schiller said. “A total of 448 books valued at $4,391.75 were collected during the drive. The donated books spanned a wide range of genres and interest, including popular titles such as Bluey, Baby-Sitters Club, Dog Man, I Can Read, Harry Potter, National Geographic Series, Little Golden Books, and timeless classics. A lot of kids in Taney County will be given the opportunity to read a wide variety of books thanks to the book drive.”

The success of the drive was further bolstered by a donation of $1500 earlier this year from the Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club, which was used to purchase additional books.

“A favorite quote from Dr. Seuss is ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ JATC’s BAM book drive started the new school year off with a bang!” Schiller said.

The JATC’s Celebrate Reading project mission is to promote literacy and provide children with the tools they need to succeed. The success of the book drive is a testament to the power of the community spirit and the shared commitment to enriching the lives of young readers.

The JATC is a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. It was chartered by a group of women in 1998 and continues to grow. It now has approximately 50 members, who annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and well-being of children in Taney County. JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. Their slogan is “Caring Hearts-Helping Hands-Changing Lives”.

Published by: Branson Tri-Lakes News, Wednesday, August 28, 2024-AJ Fahr; Branson Globe, Thursday, August 22, 2024-KD Michaels