DECEMBER 2017 UPDATE ON THE PUERTO RICO HURRICANE RELIEF BOOK PROJECT
Details on STNM's role as the non-profit sponsor of the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Book Light and Book Project are provided below. As of December 31, 2017, we are thrilled to announce that $10,585 ($5,785 in cash, and $4,800 in books) have been raised and dedicated toward this incredibly creative and positive project spearheaded by STNM board members, Bob Kanegis and Liz Mangual. Check out the latest photos from the island showing children using their new book lights to read their new books!
Background Information
Power in Puerto Rico is still not entirely restored in many communities. Hopefully, schools will reopen in the new year. We are storytellers, book lovers and educators joining together to send books and book lights to bring comfort and to shorten the long dark nights ahead. Storytellers of New Mexico is serving as nonprofit fiscal agent for the project, spearheaded by board members, Bob Kanegis and Liz Mangual. Thanks to Bob & Liz for their dedication and work in bringing this project to fruition.
Three weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the Island, Bob and Liz finally made contact with a young cousin there. She described the long dark nights without power and children feeling anxious and wondering how to spend their time. They remembered some of their own experiences in unexpected darkness. They had read to each other and told each other stories. It was comforting and brought their family together. This practical project will bring light, stories, reading, and community to Puerto Rico's children during long evenings of darkness this winter.Project Partners
Three weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the Island, Bob and Liz finally made contact with a young cousin there. She described the long dark nights without power and children feeling anxious and wondering how to spend their time. They remembered some of their own experiences in unexpected darkness. They had read to each other and told each other stories. It was comforting and brought their family together. This practical project will bring light, stories, reading, and community to Puerto Rico's children during long evenings of darkness this winter.Project Partners
- A major children’s book publisher has pledged to help with deep discounts for purchases.
- A family owned business that makes a wonderful and powerful book light has offered to provide these lights, also for a very deep discount.
- Best yet, we have found a grateful and willing partner, The Puerto Rican Family Institute (a non-profit agency) that runs Head Start Programs in 15 affected municipalities serving over 1600 children. Many of these sites are still closed but PRFI staff are bringing their programs to shelters and darkened homes.
Long-lasting Impact
Finally, long after the power comes back, the power of reading and reading together as a family will continue. So your gift now, will truly keep on giving!
Project Funding
Funds raised have been used for purchases of the books, lights, batteries and shipping expenses. The project goal is to provide at least one book to all 1600 children, as well as to their older siblings, and a book light to each household.
Thanks to our network of storytellers all around the world, to our families, friends, to anyone who has ever been a little anxious in the dark and to everyone who has experienced the pleasure of reading a book and knows the feeling of closeness of huddling together sharing a book or a story.
All donations channeled through STNM have been acknowledged and are tax deductible.
STNM is a 501 c 3 Nonprofit Corporation in the State of New Mexico.
