Give a Child a New Book Day Collects 4,000 Donated Books for 2013

"Give a Child a New Book Day" has announced the initiative received 4,000 donated books for 2013, an increase of 330 books from 2012's donation collection total. This means every child in the Hattiesburg area served by the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program will receive a brand new book for Christmas.

Sarah Mangrum, Chair of "Give a Child a New Book Day" 2013 and Friends of University Libraries member said, “Once again I am blown away by the outpouring of support for 'Give a Child a New Book Day' from the surrounding communities. Each year we have been able to reach more and more children and I hope we continue to grow over the years.”

Books are being distributed to the Hattiesburg and Gulf Coast Salvation Army locations this week. Currently celebrating its third year in South Mississippi, "Give a Child a New Book Day" is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Friends of University Libraries group at the University of Southern Mississippi in partnership with the Salvation Army, Favre 4 Hope Foundation and Red Door Marketing Agency. Deanna Favre, who is married to former NFL great, Brett Favre, brought the project to South Mississippi after working with a similar initiative in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when her husband played for the Packers.

The annual holiday book drive serves children age's birth through 12 years old in four South Mississippi counties including Forrest, Lamar, Harrison and Jackson. Children receive a brand new book and the gift of reading for Christmas. Many businesses contributed to the cause by serving as a book donation location.

Mangrum said, “I would like to thank our local businesses that provided drop off locations, our numerous volunteers that worked behind the scenes collecting and sorting the donations, and especially the community members and organizations that came together and donated books.” Sarah Mangrum explained the efforts of these groups, “Made more of a difference in the lives of these children than you even know!”

For more information about "Give a Child a New Book Day" and how to become involved, please contact Sarah Mangrum at 601.266.4251 or sarah.rialsFREEMississippi. Colleen Munkel may also be reached at 601.307.3350 or via Colleen@contactreddoor.com.