Academy of Kempo Martial Arts Read for Power Book Swap

On Friday April 17, 2015 Academy of Kempo Martial Arts held their 1st Annual Read for Power Book Swap. The Academy collected over 750 slightly used books throughout the months of March and April through their Book Drive and ended their event with the Read for Power Book Swap.

Students and family and friends were invited in to pick new reading materials to bring home to further their power to read. The Academy gave out over 80 books during their swap and the rest of the books were donated to New Haven Reads.

“I could not have done this program alone,” said Shihan Frank Ciarleglio, the instructor at the Academy. “The Dunbar Hill PTA gave a large donation of books after they completed their annual book drive and book sale. Ladystar Cleaning Services, owned and operated by Cheryl and Mark Peckham in Hamden joined the Academy’s efforts and donated hundreds of books they collect at places like Randall’s Restaurant and Bar in West Haven, one of their clients. The students at the Academy who did their part in donating and of course the other major support that we received was from the media: The New Haven Register, WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News, Patch.com and the Hamden Journal - I would like to offer a very special thank you to everyone for your help in making this event a success,” said Ciarleglio.

If you were not able to participate in the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts Book Drive Book Swap and still want to help, New Haven Reads is always in need of children’s books and they have great community service programs. New Haven Reads is located at 45 Bristol St, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 and can be contacted by phone at (203) 752-1923.

Give your books a new life by passing them on to a new owner.