Sharks Defenseman Jason Demers Visits Los Gatos

The Reading is Cool Book Drive took off Wednesday afternoon at in Los Gatos thanks to the appearance of San Jose Sharks player Jason Demers and mascot S.J. Sharkie.

Dozens of parents with children, die-hard Sharks fans and curious town residents lined up outside the small bank branch on North Santa Cruz Avenue to get their pictures taken with Sharkie and meet Sharks' defenseman Demers.

Most important for event organizers was that everyone who got their picture taken with the celebrities brought a book or cash to be donated to the drive.

Mary Lange, manager vice president of Comerica Bank in Los Gatos, said she was pleased with the books being donated during the afternoon event, which began at 1:30 for bank VIP customers and opened to the general public between 2-3 p.m.

Participants got memorabilia autographed by Demers, their picture taken with the player and the colorful mascot. "He's an NHL player and he's new, but he's up and coming," Lange said of Demers' notoriety.

Larry Villegas, of San Jose, drove all the way to Los Gatos to see Demers and donate three books to the drive. "I love the Sharks and I love what they're doing for the schools," he said.

Los Gatos resident Kathy Smedt said son Dawson, 10, brought home a flier from promoting the event. She said her son's classroom is competing with other classrooms for the most books read. "They're encouraging reading and those with the most books read get Sharkie to come visit them," Smedt said. 

Casey Meyers, an assistant with the Sharks Foundation, explained all the books donated during the drive will be given to South Bay schools which have signed up to participate in the program. Last year, the program had more than 900 schools sign up.

"Many classrooms don't have the resources to be able to get brand-new books during the school year," Meyers said.

Teachers sign up for the Reading is Cool program at the beginning of the school year and can use the books in their book shelves or take-home packs, Meyers added.

One large bin at the bank was almost full Wednesday afternoon thanks to the generosity of those participating. The Sharks Foundation, in existence since 1994, wil continue the drive during the next two home games, Meyers added.

Comerica Bank is a major sponsor of the San Jose Sharks Foundation and the Reading is Cool program, she added.