September 17, 2024
As we approach Giving Tuesday in the coming months, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact we can make together. This day isn’t just about giving; it’s about igniting hope and inspiring change. Founded in 2012 as a simple idea to encourage people to do good, Giving Tuesday has blossomed into a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the entire world.
At Libraries for Kids, Int'l, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child in a rural Kenyan primary school has access to the joy of reading. With 100% of your program donations going directly to our mission, each contribution becomes a steppingstone toward creating a brighter future. Your generosity will help us put books into the hands of children who may otherwise never experience the magic of a story.
Imagine a child, their eyes wide with wonder as they open a new book for the first time. This is the gift your support provides—an opportunity for growth, learning, and empowerment. Giving Tuesday strives to build a world where the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity for all. (learn more about Giving Tuesday here)
This year, let’s join hands with the global network of Giving Tuesday, which collaborates year-round to inspire generosity. Together, we can create a ripple effect of knowledge and inspiration that resonates far beyond the pages of a book. Your donation this fall, no matter the size, fuels our vision and ensures that we can continue to change lives through literacy.
Curious to know the approximate cost of funding and transporting ONE book from the United States ~ to the front door of a school in rural Kenya? About sixty-three cents.
This fall, we will be making a difference ONE book at a time. Thank you in advance for believing in us, believing in the power of reading, and for supporting our mission to bring hope and joy to the children of Kenya.
Checks are payable to: Libraries for Kids, Int'l PO Box 1013 Bluffton, SC 29910
You can also donate on our website
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For more information contact: Roy Austin at +1 (843) 597-4826 Laura Winkel at +1 (609) 402-6025 or email us at: book@libraries4kids.org
Share our mission:
You can also help us by liking and sharing our Facebook page, Instagram page, YouTube channel, and website. Also, please share this newsletter with your friends.
Together we can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of children. Mungu Akubariki (God Bless You)
WHHI TV
Click HERE to watch an interview with Laura Winkel and Roy Austin. Go to the WHHI TV YouTube page and search for Libraries for Kids, Int'l. to see previous interviews.
WHHI TV graciously invites us to be on the air once a month with updates on what we are doing to serve children in rural areas with limited or no internet, electricity, or school libraries.
SHORT TERM GOAL: 5 MILLION CHILDREN
Over 860,000 books have been shipped to Kenya and books have been delivered to 8,576 schools impacting the lives of approximately 2.1 million children plus their teachers, families, and communities.
There are about 20,000 rural primary and secondary schools in Kenya, with approximately 5 million students. We are committed to expanding our efforts to provide more containers of books as donations are received.
Your generous contribution will support our mission and help over 5 million children expand their educational opportunities.
RECURRING DONORS
We are especially grateful for our recurring monthly donors. You are greatly appreciated!! You allow us to plan better. A special thank you to:
- Jessa Jeremiah
- Darlene Morrison
- Susan Arney
- Leo Story
- Gary Shepard
- Erich Schmid
Donor Honor Roll
Our Donor Honor Roll is based on cumulative contributions. No matter what level you are on, you are important. But your continuing support is also vital. We hope you will continue to contribute and gradually move to a higher level on the honor roll. A little each month and you will soon be at the next level. You can set up a recurring monthly donation HERE. You can also make a tribute gift in honor or memory of someone.
Create a legacy by remembering Libraries for Kids, Int'l in your estate planning. There are a lot of new names on the honor roll this month and several people who have moved up to the next level.
So far, we have received donations of money or services from 646 people or organizations located in:
- 7 Countries: Australia, France, Kenya, Northern Mariana Islands, Canada, Puerto Rico, USA
- 35 States: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WVA, WY
Click Here to see the full donor Honor Roll
We are indebted to and grateful for the individuals and businesses that have donated to Libraries for Kids, Int'l. Here are the different honor roll levels and who is on each level. The Swahili word is in parenthesis.
Meerkat (Meerkat)
Donated books, in-kind services, or money.
So far there are 292 Meerkats. Click here to see them all. Some of you are close to the Zebra level so please consider an additional donation.
Zebra (Punda Milia) - $100 or more
To date, there are 211 Zebras. Click here to see them all
Impala (Pala) - $500 or more
To date, there are 58 Impalas. Click here to see them all
Giraffe (Twiga) - $1,000 or more
To date, there are 44 Giraffes. Click here to see them all
Oryx (Choroa)- $2,500 or more
- Bluffton United Methodist Church
- Den & Jan Austin
- Herb & Carol Egoroff
- Jim & Peg Forbes
- Gary & Dot Jeger
- George & Susan Kreick
- Shirley Mingledorff
- Phyllis Moorehead
- Darlene Morrison
- Ed
- Dick & Chris
- Bookish Road Trip: Mary Helen Sheriff
- PayPal Giving Fund
Rhinoceros (Kifaru): $5,000 or more
- Elwood Barnes
- Low Country Taps
- Chick McIntyre
- Marilyn Moore
Sable Antelope (Mfano Mzuri): $7,500 or more
- JR & Betty Rutherford
- Morningstar Storage
Cheetah (Duma): $10,000 or more
* Ed & Betty Eich * Steve & Ruth Dexter - Richard Hoeksema & Greta Sandberg * Jim & Karen Ralston * Bobbi & Matt Tenwolde * doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation
Leopard (Chui) - $25,000 or more
- Dr. David Stallings
- Rick & Becky Harris
- Tito's Handmade Vodka
- Grand Circle Foundation
Lion (Simba) - $50,000 or more
Elephant (Tembo) - $100,000 or more
Sharron & Roy Austin
Maasai Club - $250,000 or more
The Maasai are among the foremost African ethnic groups and are known internationally because of their links to the national parks and reserves. They respect the land and are adapting to the changing world around them.
Sharron Austin Society - $500,000 or more
Sharron was an inspiration to Libraries for Kids, Int’l Founder Roy Austin. Her life philosophy was “Life is not the way it is supposed to be. It is the way it is. How you cope with it is what makes the difference.” Her smile, positive attitude, and ability to overcome numerous challenges in her life are an inspiration to all. She died on March 29, 2020. She is sorely missed but her spirit lives on. She was an enthusiastic supporter and donor to Libraries for Kids, Int’l.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
We are blessed to have several partners who have donated their time and services.
Barbara Bricker Barbara graciously donates her services every year. She created our new logo, brochures, flyers, postcards, and ads for our sponsors. She is a retired graphic artist (Small Miracles Design) and currently sells real estate in NC and SC. https://www.newviewrealtyllc.com
Paul Soviero, Owner, Next Move HHI helped us find bookcases for our storage location. Helps with moving materials and supplies for events. http://www.nexmovehhi.com/index.php
James Worix, owner of Worix Media is helping us with IT and media editing services.
Paul Uhls BNC Graphics 19 Seventh Ave, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 https://bncgraphics.com/ Supplied business cards and rack cards. Printing our brochures and business cards at cost.
Morningstar Storage 1110 Fording Island Rd Bluffton, SC 29910 Donated a 10ft x 10ft space for us to store supplies.
