We are ever so grateful to the JG Press World Publications Group of East Bridgewater, MA. Just last month, we received a delivery of over 800 brand new books for our students. This is in addition to the 860 books they delivered last winter!
We asked the Director of Publishing, Melissa De La Vega, to tell us what inspired her to recommend School on Wheels as a recipient of the generosity of her company. This was her response:
” I learned about SOWMA in the spring of 2012 when I signed up to run the Outrunning Homelessness 5K with a friend. I didn’t know very much about the organization at the time and I was super excited to find a way to help after I completed the race. I was amazed with the turn out at Borderland State Park and the level of enthusiasm from all of the SOWMA supporters. The energy that was in the air really seemed special and positive and I knew this was an organization World Publications should get involved with. Back at the office that next Monday I looked up your organization online to get a better feel for the cause. I was so impressed with the community work SOWMA does to end homelessness and promote education. On a personal level, I have a three year-old son who loves to read as much as he loves to stomp in puddles: reading is a part of his daily routine. There’s something sacred about a child learning to love books and reading. It truly looks like SOWMA is doing a fabulous job to promote that with their family and academic programs – very inspiring!”
Melissa De La Vega, Director of Publishing for JG Press World Publications Group, Inc.
Dianne Sproul, School Supply Coordinator for School on Wheels, tells us that after Melissa participated in the 2012 Outrunning Homelessness 5K Race and Family Fun Walk, she arranged for three donations of new books. JG Press World Publications Group donated 860 books in November and December for the106 Holiday Boxes we delivered to our students for the winter holidays. Just last month, we received aother donation of 800 books to be used in our Summer Learning Bags and backpacks.
Our community volunteers love getting called in to help with a new donation of books, as they get to revisit favorite books from their childhoods while sorting and stocking our shelves. We have received storybooks like “The World Champion of Staying Awake” by Sean Taylor and “The Unruly Queen” by E.S. Redmond, chapter books such as “Clarice Bean Spells Trouble” by Lauren Child, and young adult books including “Dragon Rider” by Cornelia Funke and the “Star Wars” series by Sean Williams. Together these books make up a remarkable collection, with something to offer to all the children we serve.
Cheryl Opper recently visited the JG Press offices to present the School on Wheels “Companies Caring for Kids” award to Ms. De La Vega. Cheryl had this to say, “School on Wheels is thrilled to have JG Press World Publications Group as an anchor corporate partner! Over the past year they have donated hundreds of books to children experiencing homelessness. Their generous donation of high quality books provide our students the opportunity to start their own personal library and explore a world of adventure and learning through reading. A new book can shine a bright light into a child’s world filled with darkness.
Thank you JG Press for brightening the lives of our students through your generous gift of new books!”
