By Debbie Brown
Sometimes Kids Need to Read has the opportunity to deliver the donations we make to schools and organizations in the Phoenix area. Our donation to Bethune Elementary yesterday was one of those times. Ms. Eboni Cotton is one of the 1st/2nd grade teachers at Bethune and her story touched our hearts. At a recent KNTR event, a friend of Eboni’s asked if she could take some books to her friend for her students. Of course, we were glad to give them to her. When Eboni was presented with the books by her friend, she was moved to tears. However, we had sent 22 books and she has 28 students. Eboni wrote to us and very kindly asked if we could send a few more books so all the students could be given a book. Eboni wrote, “You are a true blessing, and I truly appreciate your kindness. I wanted to give my students each a book, just to continue to encourage them to read. Given their current circumstances, I’m sure most will not get presents. At this time, I have plenty of books for my library, but I am so grateful that you would even consider sharing with us.”
Of course, we had to help these children. We pulled together not only enough of the books she already had, but we also added 28 copies of three more titles and some Highlights magazines as well.
When I delivered the books to Eboni, she was moved to tears. She embraced me and said, “You don’t know what you have done for them. This is such an amazing gift. I am sure these will be one of the few if not the only gifts they will get for Christmas. I don’t know how to thank you. ” I hugged her back and said, “You just did! We are thrilled we could help your students.” Her students were very excited to find out what was in the boxes . . . but she told them they would have to wait. Little did they know she was going to go home and wrap all the books.
We love to give the gift of reading to children. Happiest of holidays to all of our supporters, friends, and recipients!
