What began as a personal way to honor the memory of a mother has grown into a community-wide effort that has now placed 10,000 books into the hands of local children and families.
Mom’s Book Nook, a community outreach initiative of Think Donson, was founded by Felicia Donson in honor of her late mother, Elaine Rothberg, a retired nurse from Sarasota Memorial Hospital whose compassion, generosity, and love for children inspired Felicia to continue her legacy of giving.
Felicia and her mother shared a strong commitment to helping others, especially children. Their experiences giving books to young readers showed Felicia firsthand how meaningful it can be for a child to receive a book of their own.
After her mother passed, Felicia wanted to carry
that spirit forward. That idea became Mom’s Book Nook.
“I never imagined when I started Mom’s Book Nook where this journey would lead,” says Donson. “It began as a way to honor my mom and continue the spirit of giving that meant so much to her. Reaching 10,000 books is incredibly emotional. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and built relationships with organizations doing amazing work throughout our community.”
In approximately a year and a half, Mom’s Book Nook has grown through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community programs, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, donors, and individuals who share the belief that every child should have access to books.
The organization works closely with community partners. Books have been distributed through Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Forty Carrots Family Center, Children First, First 1,000 Days Suncoast, and other organizations serving children and families throughout the Sarasota area.
“Reaching 10,000 books would never have been possible without the people and organizations who have supported us,” Donson says. “Our partners help us get these books out of the boxes and into the hands of children. Every donation, every collection effort, every business that hosts a bin, and every organization that helps distribute books is part of this milestone.”
Donson says that each of the 10,000 books represents an opportunity for a child to discover a new story, build confidence as a reader, find comfort in a favorite book, or simply experience the joy of having a book to call their own.
Mom’s Book Nook continues to receive requests from local organizations and is working to expand its network of community partners and book collection locations. The organization will also hold its annual Holiday Book Drive Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, helping local nonprofit partners place books into the hands of children throughout the holiday season.
“The mission remains simple,” says Donson. “Continue a mother’s legacy of kindness by helping more children discover the joy of reading. One child. One book. One story at a time.”
For more information about Mom’s Book Nook, donating books, or hosting a collection bin, visit MomsBookNook.net.
Submitted by Su Byron
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Mom's Book Nook honors late mother with 10,000 books for children
