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United Way of Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista worked with 15 local businesses in its annual book drive to collect 859 new and gently used children’s books between Sept. 25 and Oct. 13.
“We are overwhelmed and beyond grateful for the support we’ve received,” said Jennifer Dent, executive director of UWR. “Our Rockbridge community truly understands the importance of local people meeting local needs. Thanks to the generosity of our partners as well as the citizens who contributed children’s books, UWR will be able to continue to promote childhood literacy in our community.”
This year, UWR was fortunate to have many partners in its book drive, she said. Local businesses and organizations that participated included Atlantic Union Bank, Cattlemen’s Market, Corner-Stone Bank (Buena Vista), Downtown Books, DuPont Community Credit Union, Lexington Fire & Rescue, Lexington Police Department, Rockbridge Baths Post Office, Rockbridge Regional Library System (Lexington, Glasgow, and Buena Vista branches), Straws, Sweet Treats, The Bookery, and YMCA.
“In this season of giving, we are honored to play a role in giving back to our community,” said board President Sarah Centorino. “As the holiday season ramps up, we are happy to work with other community-minded businesses, and we encourage the Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge citizens to continue to support their neighbors and friends through the book drive and other UWR efforts.”
If community members missed the book drive but would like to contribute to UWR’s mission, UWR will accept new and gently used books throughout the year at its office on South Main Street. The nonprofit also welcomes contributions to its annual campaign, which began this September and has a goal of raising $200,000 for local nonprofits and area programming.
For more information on UWR and its team, visit uwrockbridge.org and follow the nonprofit on Facebook at @UWRockbridge.
