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'Big Book Give' raises tens of thousands for Title I classroom libraries; students and donors honored
Summary
Board meeting recognized student groups and community fundraisers. The "Big Book Give" initiative organizers said KPMG, Midtown Reader, Capital City Bank and 100 Women Who Care were among donors; organizers said the fund could approach $50,000 once outstanding grants clear.
Organizers of a community book-collection and fundraising drive told the Leon County School Board on Dec. 10 that their effort has generated thousands of dollars and hundreds of books for Title I classroom libraries, and that the total is expected to grow.
Board members paused the business agenda to recognize several student and community presentations: Gabriel Brown of Jack and Jill of America — Tallahassee Chapter — presented a $1,500 check for the Leon County Schools Foundation to support Title I schools; and volunteers and community partners presented results from the Big Book Give initiative, which organizers said combined book donations and cash gifts to purchase classroom library titles for Title I schools.
Organizer and board member (listed in the meeting as) Smith summarized data that had prompted the project: classroom-library counts had ranged from about 32,000 books at some schools down to fewer than 2,000 at others, with Title I schools holding fewer classroom library books on average. The Big Book Give gathered both used and new books and solicited financial contributions so principals could purchase titles suited to their classrooms.
Major donors and partners cited in the meeting included KPMG (an initial $10,000 donation), Midtown Reader (matching donated books and contributing an additional new book per donated title), Capital City Bank (hosted donation bins), St. John’s (donated several hundred books), and a local chapter of 100 Women Who Care (organizers said that group contributed $27,000). Meeting remarks also referenced an additional $35,275 in donations that the organizer said had been added to the total. The organizer said those sums — plus other incoming grants — could push the campaign toward roughly $50,000 by the time all donations are collected.
Eric Clark of the foundation and district staff will coordinate distribution. Smith told board members the foundation will work with principals to divide funds and determine which books are purchased; the group aims to return next year with data showing how many books were bought and how the books affected classroom libraries.
The board also recognized several student athletic achievements at the start of the meeting, including Chiles High School’s girls volleyball state championship and a state discus title won by Jake Atwood of an area high school. Gabriel Brown, president of the Tallahassee chapter of Jack and Jill, described Jack and Jill as a mothers’ organization that provides leadership and community service opportunities for teens; he presented the $1,500 check on behalf of the chapter.
Ending: Organizers asked for a year‑end tally and pledged to report back with the number of books purchased and distribution details. Board members praised the community volunteers and thanked the donors and student honorees.
