Books for Treats

It’s that Trick-or-Treaty time of year again! This year The WOW! Factor of Atlanta would like you to consider giving Books for Treats.

 

What is Books for Treats?

Books for Treats is a program that encourages you to give “gently read” children’s books at Halloween instead of candy.

 

Why give children books instead of candy at Halloween?

Books feed children’s minds, while candy only feeds their cavities. Books encourage children to read, and parents to read with them and/or ask them about their books. Many children rarely receive books as gifts, so even gently read books are special treats.

In the United States, 30 million adults possess below-basic literacy skills. Eleven million are non-literate in English.
- National Assessment of Adult Literacy

How would I get inexpensive books? Kids’ books are expensive!

Collect clean, re-usable, gently read children’s books from garage sales, library book sales, used book stores, thrift stores, or recycle any books that your children may have outgrown. By recycling your kids’ books, you allow these books to continue to give pleasure, long after your child has outgrown them.

 

What will the kids think about getting books instead of candy?

Kids, as well as their parents, are thrilled by receiving books for treats. They are much more enthusiastic than we have ever seen them when we gave candy. We have witnessed many children running to the sidewalk waiving a new treasure yelling “Mom, look! I got a book!” We also saw a group of kids standing on the sidewalk showing each other their books. And we heard one girl greet a friend coming from the other direction “Hey, this house gives books! Cool!”

 

Who’s supporting this program?

Books for Treats started in 2001 and the idea is catching on with Public Libraries in several  states such as California, Texas, Iowa, Arkansas, and New York. You can start your support this year, it’s not too late! Gather gently used age appropriate books. if you don’t think that you can get enough books in time have them at the door to offer along with candy. Give your Trick-or-Treaters a choice better than chocolate vs. taffy.

 

Want to Support Literacy the Rest of the Year?

Donate your gently used books to Better World Books and you will not only be supporting literacy efforts worldwide but you will be raising money for local charities and keeping valuable resources from landfills. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta sponsors collection boxes in Woodstock, Georgia. Funds raised by books dropped into any WOW! Factor of Atlanta collection box will go towards The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Project and Georgia's Parent 2 Parent Cherokee Navigator Team.