So we get some really good mail, not including all the free offers to collect money on behalf of some lost uncle who just needs my bank account .
My friend Diane at First Book sent me this, and I thought it would be perfect for a new series in posts called "From the mail bag". I'm also encouraging beautiful Actresses or Philanthropic Princesses to write in as well ;-)
Take it away Diane...
Working at First Book these last two years, I've decided that the ultimate job perk is getting handwritten thank you notes from small children simply for showing up and doing your job. Yesterday I received this one from a 7 year-old:
"Thank you for my book. Last night I read half of it. It is so fun. I don’t want to read the rest because then it will be over and I won’t have any more stories."
On a particularly wet, dreary day like today here in Washington, DC , notes like this one help remind me why First Book is here: to ensure that every child knows the joy of great books.
What many people don't realize is that millions of children, right here in the US, will never have the chance. Studies show that the single strongest indicator of a child's future reading ability is simple: access to books -- and specifically, the number of books in the home. Yet the same studies show that, while in middle-income neighborhoods, there are on average 13 books for every child, in low-income neighborhoods, that ratio drops dramatically to just one book for every 300 children.
First Book is working rapidly to close the gap. Since 1992, we have provided more than 60 million books to children in need nationwide.
You can help! Now through June 21, every time you donate to First Book through eBay's Community Gives campaign -- even as little as $1 -- the eBay Foundation will give $1 to First Book too. You can also buy or sell on eBay to support us.
Please help us bring brand new books to the kids who need them most.

















Comments
What a great story! I'm going to make a donation right now so that little fellow gets another book to read. Kudos to the eBay Foundation on this amazing program. Go click and donate. DOIT. Go. Now!
MAY 22 2008 AT 1:16 PM
Such a great story! I remember feeling so excited every time I got a new book... Actually, I'm still the same way ;). So great that you are giving this feeling to so many children out there!!
MAY 22 2008 AT 3:10 PM