YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Altrusa Youngstown’s volunteer-led Book Donation Project has surpassed 20,000 donated books since its launch in April 2023.
The ongoing partnership with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has become one of Altrusa’s most impactful initiatives, enriching lives across Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties by providing free access to books for community members of all ages, a news release states.
“In just over two years, this project has grown beyond anything we imagined,” said Mary Yee, president of Altrusa Youngstown. “Thanks to our partnership with Goodwill and the dedication of our volunteers, thousands of books that once sat unused have found new homes, new readers and new purpose. Promoting literacy is at the heart of what we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we are truly making a difference.”
What began as a bimonthly sorting effort by Altrusa’s 48-member volunteer group quickly grew into a weekly operation as the volume of usable books increased.
Goodwill collects and sorts books from its retail donations, and Altrusa volunteers work with Goodwill to identify books that, while no longer suited for retail, still hold value for readers. These books are then sorted, repurposed and distributed locally instead of being recycled.
With titles ranging from children’s picture books to adult fiction, nonfiction and specialty interest collections, the effort ensures that reading materials reach individuals regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical barriers. The donated books support families, students, seniors and organizations that might otherwise face limited access to literacy resources, the release states.
Throughout the year, donated books are shared with a network of community partners. During this season in particular, Altrusa’s efforts have benefited locations such as the Davis Center, Meridian HealthCare, Rotary Little Free Libraries, the Greenford Library and Beatitude House. Additional donations reach school districts such as Niles, Austintown, Boardman and Salem, as well as social service agencies, neighborhood groups and community events.
Altrusa Youngstown plans to expand distribution as opportunities grow. For more information and to learn how to support the Book Donation Project, visit GoodwillYoungstown.org.
Pictured at top: Members of Altrusa Youngstown who sort through books are, from left, Mary Yee, Yvette Carter, Lynda Armstrong, Margie Truta and Patty Zitello.