School book drive for Appalachian children?

Question

I am thinking of organizing a book drive at my school to send the books to the poorest of the poor children in Appalachia...I have no idea how i would get the books to the children..any ideas on how i could have the books distributed maybe even to a certain area or community somewhere in Appalachia? I really would like to do this becuase i think it would be a really cool thing to give these kids the opportunity to learn how to read and maybe even write...There are great possibilities that literacy can lead to..Knowing how to read and write has opened many doors for myself and countless others, and it is only right that we share that gift..I may be getting too preachy, but im not trying to. this is actually how i see the situation and how i can better it..so, any ideas?

Answer 1

I think that is a fantastic idea!!! You would obviously need to raise the money for shipping the books but perhaps you can have everyone donate a dollar along with each book they donate to help cover shipping costs.

I remember hearing about a school when American Idol did Idol Gives Back. I wrote the school down b/c it was so poor. Here's the address.

Beckham Bates Elementary School
6868 Hwy 7 North
Whitesburg, KY 41858

***There are also VERY underfunded schools in the rural areas of South Carolina that I discovered.

www.corridorofshame.com

I have sent things to Estill Elementary. (which was featured in the documentary)

Their address is:

Estill Elementary
318 4th Street
Estill, SC 29918

Hope that helps! Best of luck with your book drive! Keep me posted:)

Answer 2

Here is a ministry in Appalachia you might contact that can at least give you some ideas, www.arministry.org/
I live on the edge of appalachia, your idea is great and is a worthy cause, once most of the mining went out so did the jobs and that leaves people in poverty, You might even send a note to Loretta Lynn, she is from Appalachia, she just might get involved, you will never know until you try, Good luck and God Bless YOU!!