The POP Project generally donates our books directly to the agency or organization that needs them and then steps out of the way to let that agency do what they do best. By supplementing the existing programs of local agencies, POP helps ensure that they are able to make an even more substantial impact in the lives and literacy of local residents without incurring additional costs.
However, this dynamic can also make it difficult for POP to directly witness those substantial impacts. For that reason, we are always grateful when agencies share their stories with us.
This January, POP began giving to the Free Community Meal and Market at Montmorenci UMC in Candler. We’ve only made a few deliveries so far, but we’re so excited by their response that we wanted to share it with you. Here is what the FCM coordinator, Jan Ianniello, shared with us recently:
Have no doubt your work and wonderful books are changing lives. Today, a mom brought her autistic son to the market. He has never come in before. She brought him late so that he would not become upset. He found a chalkboard and wandered/darted about a bit until I realized that the books had already been put away for the day.
I asked this disconnected boy if he liked books, and he quickly nodded and made eye contact. We pulled out the children’s books we still have (only a dozen or so) and I gave him a bag to put his choices in. Mom plopped down beside him and they carefully examined the books and selected the ones he liked. He left with a smile on his face – and a big smile on Mom’s face. His first trip into our church and to the market was a success!
This mom works hard and struggles to meet daily needs. These new books for her child were a wonderful gift! Thank you!
The POP Project could not inspire moments like these without the support of our donors and volunteers. As we move into National Volunteer Week next week, we’d like to say Thank You! all those who help us collect, sort, and prepare books for donations like those to the Free Community Meal and Market.
Thank You! also to all those who have given books or funds to help POP meet our mission. Rest assured your donations put smiles on the faces of children and adults across Western North Carolina.