Gift of Reading Program is truly “a gift that keeps on giving”

Nick Gaich

As we enter the holiday season, I can think of no better gift to give to our children than the love of books. Instilling a passion for reading opens a doorway to adventures, exploration and creativity that will elevate kids to greater heights both in school and at home.

For me the Gift of Reading Program is truly a gift that will continue to enrich young people’s lives and the impact they will ultimately make on our society long after the holiday season ends. Although I may be revealing my age a bit by using this adage, the Gift of Reading Program is truly “a gift that keeps on giving.”

The Gift of Reading Morgan Hill Program has been a long-standing tradition, established by BookSmart 23 years ago. It’s been a privilege for our foundation (BookSmart Community Advantage) to pick up the baton over the past several years. Last year we supplied more than 2,000 books to our local schools and through your continued support and kindness our goal is to surpass last year’s campaign.

Our efforts to support the love of reading would not be possible without community support. This year, as in years past, we are once again partnering with the Friends of the Morgan Hill Library and Cecelia’s Closet, associated with the Edward Boss Prado Foundation, and the Morgan Hill AAUW to spread the gift of literacy and love of books to children in our local community.

As a grandfather of two wonderful grandsons, Lennox and Raleigh, I am constantly reminded of the power of reading. Each day is a new beginning, new pursuits, new adventures — all of which are fueled by the books they read. Through their eyes I am reminded of what the world can be, keeping me young at heart and serving as a personal motivator on why the Gift of Reading Morgan Hill Program is vitally important.

Our goal is to provide access to books, encourage young people to stay in school and promote literacy by providing a new or like-new book to underserved children during the holiday season. Through the generosity of our community we have proudly served needy and underserved children for more than two decades.

Providing our children with the skills to read, write, spell, listen and think is more than a fundamental lesson we must instill in our children, it is transformative. Please help us in our efforts and become a holiday “Literacy Champion of Change” to make a positive difference in the lives of our children and our community.

How you can help?

Look for the cheerfully wrapped bins that serve as collection points at locations including BookSmart, located at 421 Vineyard Town Center, the Morgan Hill Library and other locations around town.

As part of this program, BookSmart is offering a 20 percent discount on books purchased for the Gift of Reading program. Cash donations are also welcome (contact Cinda Meister at BookSmart).

We hope everyone who cares about instilling a passion for reading in our young people will help the cause of literacy by donating a new or like-new book suitable for elementary age children by Dec. 12.

Nick Gaich is the president of the nonprofit BookSmart Community Advantage.