The Christmas holidays have always been my favorite time of year. As a native Houstonian, supporting my community is close to my heart. This year, I had the joy of leading The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast holiday book drive in partnership with Books Between Kids, an amazing organization dedicated to helping children in Houston build their own home libraries.
Visiting their warehouse was unforgettable. Seeing shelves filled with carefully sorted books, knowing each one would bring joy to a child, made me realize just how much love and care goes into what they do. I am so grateful to Maureen Ryan, Volunteer Manager, and Heather Bush, Operations Officer for showing me around and letting me see how every donation makes a difference.
The response from our community was amazing. SCBWI Houston, my church moms group Prince of Peace, my dentist, and so many generous neighbors all pitched in. One of Books Between Kids’ community partners even helped prepare the boxes, carefully placing the sorted books inside, taping them, and getting them ready to go out to the children. Together we collected a total of 404 books, four hundred and four stories, adventures, and sparks of imagination that will find their way into the hands of children who might not have had them otherwise. It was such a warm reminder of the generosity and heart of Houston.
Leading this drive gave me a chance to witness firsthand how powerful something as simple as a book can be. Coordinating donations, meeting volunteers, and watching the community come together felt like more than charity. It felt like sharing hope, encouragement, and opportunity. If you want to learn more about Books Between Kids, Executive Director Kayla Hand shared insights on our podcast, which you can watch the episode or listen through her landing page.
This holiday season, giving a book is more than a gift. It is a way to spark imagination, show children they are cared for, and plant the seeds of lifelong learning. I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this year’s book drive possible. I look forward to continuing this tradition through The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast and with Books Between Kids, helping Houston children build home libraries and hope for the future.
If you would like to help support next year’s book drive, you can check out this link to see all the ways to contribute, whether it is donating books, volunteering, or giving monetarily: Book Drive
This holiday season, giving a book is more than a gift. It is a way to spark imagination, show children they are cared for, and plant the seeds of lifelong learning. I am deeply thankful to everyone who made this year’s book drive possible. I look forward to continuing this tradition through The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast and with Books Between Kids, helping Houston children build home libraries and hope for the future.
If you’re curious about my books or want to dive deeper into my work as an author, I’d love for you to visit my author website. You’ll find details about my Adventures in Oculus series, my coloring books, and the projects I’m currently working on.
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