Give the Gift of Learning: Donate Children's Books This Holiday Season

United Way of Central Iowa’s holiday wish is to highlight the two very different holiday experiences many children in our community face. For some, this season is filled with joy and excitement—fun traditions of playing games, enjoying warm, healthy meals, unwrapping special gifts, and spending time with family who read books together. For others, a cozy holiday by a warm fire, in a safe home with loved ones, surrounded by gifts and books, remains only a dream.

This is one of many reasons we are deeply honored to be chosen to receive donations from the Barnes & Noble 2024 Holiday Book Drive, running from November 1 through December 19, 2024.

 
United Way of Central Iowa invites you to share the gift of children’s books with those who may not have a personal library of their own—because every child in central Iowa should have access to new, high-quality, age-appropriate books.

The presence of books in the home extends beyond literacy. Being surrounded by books enriches children’s vocabulary, enhances comprehension, and expands their world—all with lasting benefits well into adulthood. Studies show that homes filled with books support skills in math, technology, and communication. Simply put, books have a profound and enduring impact.

Follow these 3 easy steps to donate to the 2024 Holiday Book Drive with Barnes & Noble:

1. Review the Holiday Book Drive Wish List to consider which books you would like to donate.
2. Go to the Barnes & Noble store at 4550 University Ave, West Des Moines and purchase the children’s books of your choice to donate.
3. When checking out, inform the cashier that you intend to donate the books to United Way of Central Iowa, and they will ensure the donation is designated appropriately. Be sure to specify United Way of Central Iowa, as multiple organizations/groups are receiving book donations during the 2024 Holiday Book Drive.

Where are the Donated Books Going?
Last year, over 20 boxes of new books were sorted, boxed, and picked up by several of our nonprofit partners who serve children in our community.

Please keep in mind, this holiday book drive is only for books purchased at the University Ave. Barnes & Noble store. We are not accepting additional book donations at this time. 

Shopping Tips
Whether you’re shopping from United Way’s Book Wish List or want to purchase a holiday favorite, here are a few creative ways to spice up your holiday shopping at Barnes & Noble:

• Check out the Holiday Book Drive Wish List and use it not only to purchase books to donate to United Way, but also to buy books as gifts for the children in your life during the holiday season—or whenever you need a great gift idea!

• Choose books celebrating diversity and inclusion, and promoting understanding, acceptance, and respect for all ethnicities, cultures, races, and disabilities.

Volunteer to Read with Children in Our Community
Want to keep making an impactful difference? Sign up to be a Book Buddy! When you take a short amount of time every week to read with one to two kids at a childcare facility each week, you foster a life-long love of learning for your little buddy. You also have a powerful influence on their Education Success.

Hundreds of kids are in need of people like you. Be a Book Buddy and experience the influence your care and time can have on the life of a young child. Please sign up today!