Amidst the streets of downtown Asheville, the United Way office became a pop up shop of holiday magic during the second week of December. Transformed into a makeshift book store, it hosted the UWABC's first ever Holiday Book Store, where the air was filled not just with the aroma of freshly printed pages and hot cocoa but with the spirit of generosity and wonder.
The first ever Holiday Book Store, named “The Book Worms Den”, wasn't just about offering free books; it was about creating an immersive experience for families and children, inviting them to step into a world akin to a fantastical bookstore. Achieving this took a dedicated effort by numerous volunteers who happily helped with setting up for three days. Their hard work involved meticulously sorting through hundreds of books, arranging shelves, and adorning the space with festive decor, and infusing every corner with warmth and cheer. Their commitment and dedication made this transformation possible, for which the United Way extends its gratitude to all involved.
The “Book Worm’s Den” was an exciting component of the Annual Holiday Book Drive, an innovative initiative geared towards ensuring that every child had the opportunity to experience what it is like inside an actual bookstore. Volunteers greeted children and families as they walked in, handed out gift certificates for free books, stood ready to answer any questions and help find the perfect book, and even staffed a hot coco bar! All of these wonderful efforts helped to create an environment that got kids excited about picking out books. So much effort was put into creating an immersive experience so that our community can ensure that all kids in Buncombe County are excited to have access to new books that reflect and represent their diverse identities. On December 7th, the doors swung open, welcoming families from across the community to peruse and select books, free of charge. However, the goodwill didn't stop there. Alongside this event, UWABC will distribute hundreds of books to our amazing community partners and dedicated organizations working directly with students throughout the county.
A Highlight from the Book Worm's Den
Amidst the vibrant shelves of books and the aroma of hot cocoa, a family of three entered the store, greeted by enthusiastic volunteers radiating warmth and cheer. The two little girls darted straight to the bookmark-making section. Engaging with the volunteers, particularly with Miss Alma from Project Lighten Up, these girls crafted bookmarks for the books they were eager to choose.
However, amidst the girls’ shopping spirit, another beautiful moment unfolded. The girl's guardian, with a glimmer of nostalgia, stumbled upon a treasured children's book that had gone missing from her collection for ages. She expressed how she had searched high and low for this book but couldn't locate this beloved children's book until now. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Holiday Book Drive and the collective support of the community, this cherished book found its way into her hands. Her joy was palpable, knowing she could continue sharing this beloved story with the little ones in her life.
The United Way's initiative, bolstered by the selfless dedication of volunteers and the support of community partners, didn't just provide books; it cultivated an environment where the magic of storytelling and the joy of giving flourished. It exemplified the profound impact collective action can have in spreading warmth, knowledge, and goodwill not only during the holidays but for a lifetime of learning and growth.
Don't Stop There!
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