Observer collecting books for Reading Reindeer literacy drive

Recalling the familiarity of a favorite childhood book can give you feelings of comfort, but there are many children in the community who do not have an assortment of books to pique their curiosity and stoke their imagination.

Reading Reindeer is out to change this for underprivileged children in West Orange County. The literacy drive, now in its 22nd year, has begun collecting new books to be distributed in mid-December. Books should be appropriate for ages newborn up to 17.

This year’s goal is 5,000 books.

Recipients will include the Winter Garden Police Department's Holiday Gifts For Kids program, the Ocoee Police Department's Holiday Toys, For Kids in Need program, the West Orange Christian Service Center and the Migrant & Homeless Early Education Program of Orange County Public Schools.

Reading Reindeer was started in West Orange County in 1998. Community support has enabled Reading Reindeer to bring new books to close to 66,000 children.

Red donation bins are set out in locations around West Orange County for donors to drop off books.

Through cash donations, this program also provides a new copy of Dr. Seuss’ ABCs to the parents of all babies born at Health Central Hospital throughout the year — approximately 700 births annually.

The community is invited to join the effort to improve literacy levels in West Orange County. Healthy West Orange is a longtime partner. Some local schools also are collecting books as part of their community outreach programs.

Monetary donations payable to Reading Reindeer also can be mailed to the Observer Media Group office at 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

This year’s campaign ends Dec. 1, and new books will be accepted until that date. The program is being coordinated by Allison Brunelle, and she can be contacted by calling the Observer office at (407) 656-2121 or emailing her at [email protected].