My Very Own Bed has committed to support book purchases from 2 local book stores, Strive and Planting People Growing Justice. These stores are Black Women Owned, who provide books that reflect diversity and, in some cases, diverse authors. Up to 80% of the children served are people of color.
One of the times I volunteered, I was impressed that they provided books to the children, especially books the students requested for their age group. As a former elementary school teacher, I know how important it is for children to be able to read. I noticed more books were needed to reflect who they were.
After our experience volunteering and seeing what the organization was doing to support all these families who had been homeless, we felt we wanted to write a grant to make a difference, especially in the area of diverse books.
Once our grant was approved with support of other clubs, Rotary Club of Edina, Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Rotary Eden Prairie AM and Noon Clubs, and Rotary District 5950, we were able to provide almost 1,900 books funding a yearly supply of books, with a sticker representing our club added to every book. (member Ute Buehler helped with that.)
We were supported by members of our club, former members, and friends of members. As can be seen in the pictures, we were happy to make a difference.
