It’s time for the 17th annual Books & Bears Drive, providing new books and cuddly story time companions to 2,300 metro Atlanta children this holiday season. Books & Bears is a project of Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers, one of Atlanta’s oldest and largest nonprofits. Donations of new children’s books and stuffed animals will be collected throughout December at all 17 Sheltering Arms centers in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties, as well as online at www.shelteringarmsforkids.com.

“Studies show nearly two-thirds of low-income families own no books for their children, yet book ownership is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success,” says Elaine Draeger, President & CEO of Sheltering Arms. “To address that gap, we started Books & Bears about 17 years ago. The community is so generous during the holidays. Books & Bears gives them a way to brighten a child’s holiday and a child’s mind at the same time.”

Despite bad news on the economy, Books & Bears is celebrating its most generous support ever from the community. On December 4, Lovett students will donate more than 800 books and bears, and Home Depot employees are building and donating 2300 bookshelves as part of their United Way community service. The Toy Party will again raise scholarship dollars and collect toys at their 5000+ person cocktail party at Atlanta Apparel Mart on December 7. August House will hold benefit book sales in midtown and downtown high rises, and skirt! magazine is sponsoring a benefit preview screening of The Tale of Despereaux on December 13. On December 16, Target employees will help children make holiday gifts for their families.

Books & Bears is part of Sheltering Arms’ yearlong literacy program, Operation StoryBook. Throughout the year, children receive a new book every month for their home library, and participate in research-driven curriculum and enrichment activities that help children explore the cultures, themes, and concepts in their new books. Parents also participate, developing skills in storytelling and guided reading to encourage a love of literature at home.

“For many of us, the values we hold most dear are those we learned through stories…stories shared by family, stories heard in worship, stories read in books,” says Ms. Draeger. “Through Operation StoryBook and our Books & Bears drive, we hope to share those stories with a new generation. By encouraging a love of reading, we think the Books & Bears Drive provides 2300 children with a gift, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime.”

Donations of books and stuffed animals may be dropped off at any Sheltering Arms location during December. Those who wish to donate may also make purchases online by visiting www.shelteringarmsforkids.com.

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About Sheltering Arms — Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers is one of Atlanta’s oldest, largest, and most respected nonprofits, providing nationally-acclaimed, effective early education and child care for 2,300 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers each day. Founded by volunteers in 1888, Sheltering Arms is different because of its quality, because it serves all families regardless of income, and because its comprehensive services build strong families and communities. Sheltering Arms has 17 centers in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties.

To make a tax-deductible donation or for more information on Sheltering Arms, please call Paige McKay Kubik at (404)-523-2849 or visit Sheltering Arms’ Web site at www.shelteringarmsforkids.com.