YWCA Darien/Norwalk Book Drive Benefits Books2Connect Program at Brookside School

As part of their objective to increase childhood literacy in underserved areas in our community, the YWCA Darien/Norwalk held a gently used book drive in conjunction with its toddler book fair in October of 2014. The books collected benefited a pilot program at the Norwalk Public Schools established by Books2Connect, a project of UJA/Federation Westport Weston Wilton Norwalk.

The power of this community partnership was brought to fruition on Thursday, Jan. 21, when Brookside Elementary School in Norwalk celebrated the opening of its new Family Room.

The gathering place and resource center at Brookside School has been equipped with computers and tablets, coffee, toys, job resources and books in an effort to encourage parents to become more involved in their children’s education.

One highlight of the Family Room is a regularly restocked selection of free books for parents to bring home to their children as a way to help build their own personal libraries. The books were provided by Books2Connect, which partnered with YWCA Darien/Norwalk on the book drive for the room.

Books2Connect was created by UJA/Federation to provide the gift of books to beneficiary organizations in Connecticut that serve families in need, in order to improve childhood literacy and create a lifelong love of books.

Funded in part by the TD Charitable Foundation, Books2Connect has collected and distributed more than 5,000 donated books to children in need since its inception five years ago.

The YWCA is dedicated to empowering women with the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families.

“The YW decided to hold the October book drive along with its toddler book fair as a way to bring community together to increase childhood literacy and provide families with a teachable moment about the importance of community service,” said YW executive director, Heather Cavanagh.

The YW leaders also saw the importance of being a community leader in providing support to underserved populations in our area. For more information about the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, please visit www.ywcadariennorwalk.org or call (203)655-2535. For more information on Books2Connect, visit www.books2connect.org or email stacykamisar@optonline.net.

Pictured are, left to right: Sandy Rappaport, Co-Chair, Books2Connect; Heather Cavanagh, Executive Director, YWCA Darien/Norwalk; Ron Berler, Consultant, Norwalk Public Schools; David Hay, Principal, Brookside Elementary School