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Mar 26
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Inaugural 2026 Ambassadors

By General
Volunteer Spotlight

Inaugural 2026 Ambassadors

Pictured from left to right: Sara Blatnick, Lois Kim, Charles Harris, Kelley Furler, Val Lewis, Steve Gamel, Robin Mainer, Jessica Torres-Cano, Cathy Williams, Lisa Bianchi-Mendoza, Sheree Sardiner and Michelle Cook.

Last summer, we recruited a team of volunteers to meet bi-monthly and help spread the word about the needs and mission of Book Drive for Kids. To be honest, I was surprised when every single person who was asked said “yes.” I had underestimated the depth of care people have for the children in our community—and their shared desire to see every child grow up learning to read and loving books.

Without hesitation, this team embraced the challenge. United by a common goal of expanding our mission to get books into children’s homes, they have brought energy, creativity, and commitment to every effort.

Over the past ten months, the Book Drive for Kids Ambassador Team has played a vital role in raising awareness, building community connections, and helping us reach more families than ever before. They have brainstormed new ideas, shown up time and again to volunteer, and worked together to put on our best Adult Spelling Bee to date.

Thank you, Ambassadors. Your dedication to our mission continues to grow—one child, one home library, and one book at a time. 

Mar 26
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4th Annual Adult Spelling Bee

By General, Spelling Bee

4th Annual Adult Spelling Bee was a Buzzzing Success!

Book Drive for Kids Raises Over $48,000
at 4th Annual Adult Spelling Bee

Proceeds further the non-profit’s mission to create a culture of literacy and independent reading among disadvantaged children.

LEWISVILLE, TX (March 13, 2026) — Book Drive for Kids announced today that it raised $48,000 from its 4th annual Adult Spelling Bee on March 6. The wildly popular Denton County-based non-profit, which partners with community organizations and Title I schools to get books into the hearts and homes of needy children, has now raised a combined $133,572 net proceeds from its signature event since 2023. This year’s bee was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville and attracted 181 attendees, including 12 sponsored teams of three that battled for the spelling bee championship and honors such as Most Fans and Best Costume.

“We are forever grateful for the support our little non-profit gets from the people and organizations in this community,” Cook said. “The spelling bee was a quirky idea that not only resonated with people but also got their competitive juices flowing. After all, who wouldn’t want to win a spelling bee? It’s such a fun way to bring people together for a great cause.”

She added, “What started as a small concept has continued to grow every year. We would be nothing without our event planning committee, selfless volunteers, and everyone who came out for what proved to be yet another fun-filled evening. Let’s do it again next year.”  

As for the top spellers and award-getters from this year’s Adult Spelling Bee, there were plenty. The Bee Team (Zach Bennett, Jacquelyn Bennett, and Jessica Ortiz with Spanish with a Gringo) won the event in their first-ever performance after narrowly edging That 70’s Team (Jen Adame, Darrell Patillo, and Debbie Goforth, members of the Lewisville Chamber of Commerce) in the finals.  The We Got Booked team (Lynn Von Villas, Dori Bonitatibus, and Stephanie Gardner of the Flower Mound Women’s Business Book Club) walked away with both the Best Costume and Most Fans awards. 

The Spellers are not the only ones playing games. With tremendous support from community businesses, all attendees could try to win 8 different gift baskets in the “Heads & Tails” game and lots more gift certificates and wine were won in the “Honey Pot” game and the Wine Pull. The generous support of local businesses is overwhelming.

You can be part of the fun TODAY.

Book Drive for Kids Online Auction

More gift baskets, jewelry and experiences can be had in the Online Auction that expires Sunday, March 29 at 8pm. With these proceeds, Book Drive for Kids hopes to meet our Spring goal of $50,000 to fully fund our Summer Reading programs.

Nov 20
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Oh, What a Night!

By General

Oh, What a Night!

By Jessica Torrez-Cano and Michelle Cook

20 books.
20 books in the home; a key indicator of whether or not a child graduates high school.
20 books in the home of every Texas child, regardless of their zip code.

Brainstorming on how this huge goal can be accomplished, we received an invitation to offer books at Klyde Warren Park’s Annual Trick-or-Treating in the Park. 

Request: 2,500 books and 10 volunteers to run the book tables

That’s a lot of books on such short notice!  

Who could run such a big event with tables in two locations in the park since both Nicol and I were scheduled to be out of town?

One of our Ambassadors, Jessica Torres-Cano, volunteered for this huge task, recruiting her family and friends to share their love of reading with thousands of families from across Dallas.  We asked her to share with us about the experience.

“What an honor and privilege it was to be part of this year’s Trick-or-Treating in the Park with Book Drive for Kids. The energy was incredible! I loved hearing kids squeal with excitement when they spotted books they already love. And honestly, my favorite moments were when I got to introduce them to new authors and stories—watching their eyes light up when they discovered something new. It was priceless.”

For parents, this wasn’t just about candy. It was about giving their kids a treat for the imagination—a chance to take home stories that will last long after Halloween. For the trick-or-treaters, it meant finding new adventures to dive into. And for our volunteers? It meant everything to see those happy faces and share their own favorite stories. We had book fairies, Hogwarts students, the Hobbit, a witchy librarian, the Evil Queen and even Tweedle Dee roaming the park—talk about bringing books to life!

By the end of the night, we were exhausted but our hearts were so full. Thousands of books found new homes, and countless smiles reminded us why we do this: to spread the joy of reading and make sure every child has access to stories that inspire.

Want to keep this magic going? Join us—whether by donating or volunteering at future events. Together, we can put more books into the hands of kids and spark a lifelong love of reading.

Donate
Volunteer

After hearing about this amazing event, I can’t wait to dress up and attend next year!

This event was the first large event for our Literacy Connection Initiative – the vision being the bridge to connect books from those who have them (and have outgrown them) to the children who desperately want and need them but do not have the means to purchase them.

What is the next BIG Literacy Connection event?

It’s going on right now! This Christmas, Book Drive for Kids has been asked to provide new books to 2,000 local children so that EVERY child has a book under the their Christmas tree. Join in the fun! Whether it’s by donating a book at Barnes & Noble – Flower Mound, shopping our Amazon list, or organizing your own book drive, let’s spread the joy of reading and love of books this Christmas!

Aug 26
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Volunteer Highlight – James Price

By General
Volunteer Spotlight

James Price

James Price doesn’t have to think too hard when he’s asked if there was a specific moment that hooked him on Book Drive for Kids’ mission of getting books into the hearts and homes of needy children near and far. As the story goes, he had just checked in at the front office at a local elementary school and was barely a few steps down the hallway when a class of second-graders came walking toward him. James stood out in his nice suit, prompting one of the kids to step out of line and confidently ask, “Are you the one who gave us the books?”

There was a free book fair going on in the library a few dozen feet away, and James was there to help out, engage with the kids, and maybe even offer a few book suggestions. As soon as James said yes, the little boy wrapped his arms around one of James’ legs and hugged him.

“I hadn’t even made it down to the library yet, but that one moment was all I needed to see the real impact of what this organization does and the joy it brings to kids’ lives,” James said of the special moment in 2023. “I spent the next two or three hours helping out. Once I got back to my office [at South State Bank], I asked someone, ‘How can we increase our relationship with them?’ It simply made sense.”

To say James followed through with that promise would be an understatement. South State Bank was already committed to our cause as a supporting sponsor for various events, but quickly expanded its relationship to the title sponsor for our 2024 Adult Spelling Bee.

More importantly, James is now one of our board members and is constantly sharing ideas on how to expand our reach to more families.

“It’s been great getting to know Michelle and Nicol [Klingenstein], and I just feel like the sky is the limit for this organization and the kids who benefit from it,” James added. “I love giving my time to what makes the most sense and delivers the most impact for our community.”

We are excited to announce that James joined our volunteer board in August 2025. His background in finance has been a godsend in ensuring our organization always puts its best foot forward. A Southern California transplant whose family moved to Midland when he was 3 years old, James went to a small rural school in Greenwood ISD and eventually met his future wife, Joanna, while in high school. They worked at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant and often joke that their “CFA love story” should be highlighted in future commercials and radio spots. That aside, the happy couple went to college together at Texas Tech University and lived in Lubbock until 2015, when they finally moved to North Texas.

James and Joanna now live in Argyle with their three boys, Wesley, Mason, and Gavin. They are extremely active in their church and, in their free time, load up their travel trailer and try to visit as many national parks as possible. Joanna even bought James a scratch-off map, and they’ve quickly knocked out eight of the 63 parks they plan to attend before the boys get older and move on to bigger and better things.

Aug 26
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Back to School, Back to Books!

By General

The start of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and exciting possibilities. But for many children, the most important supply—a stack of books to spark imagination and build literacy—can be missing. That’s why we’re committed to making sure every student has access to stories that inspire, challenge, and grow with them.

Our goal: Every child across Texas will have 20 children’s books at home. Why 20? Because that’s the number that indicates a child will graduate from high school and go on to a productive adult life.

Such a simple number: 20

As classrooms come alive again, you can make a difference:

When we work together, we can accomplish great things!

As Book Drive for Kids enters its 9th year, we are amazed and grateful for the impact just a few people have had on a large number of kids!

Just last year over 30,000 children across Texas attended a free book fair to choose 1 or more free books. We gave away over 60,000 new and gently used books to children, homeless shelters, assisted living homes, unwed mothers, foster kids and kids with incarcerated parents.

It all begins with a single book.

Let’s make this back-to-school season the start of something unforgettable—one book at a time.

Jun 06
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Blind Date with a Book

By Fundraising, General

Are you ready to fall in love with your next great read? Join us for a literary adventure that supports a great cause with our “Blind Date with a Book” fundraiser!

What is Blind Date with a Book? Imagine going on a date without knowing your date’s name or face. Now imagine that date is with a book! Each book is wrapped to keep its identity a secret, with only a few intriguing hints on the cover to guide your choice. No judgments based on cover art, title, or author—just the thrill of the unknown and the promise of a journey with new characters.

Why You Should Participate Not only is this a fun and creative way to read outside your usual genres, but every book you purchase helps fund Book Drive for Kids. Your curiosity will empower children to experience the anticipation of a new read, too!

How It Works

  1. Visit our Blind Date with a Book link here OR contact [email protected] to schedule a “pop-up”. 
  2. Browse our collection of mysterious, pre-wrapped books.
  3. Read the clues and pick the one that calls to you.
  4. Make a donation (suggested amount: $10 or $15 if shipping is required).
  5. Take your book home and unwrap your surprise literary match!

Bonus: Share the Love! Once you’ve unwrapped your book, share your experience on social media using #GrabABookGiveABook and tag us at @book.drive.for.kids. Your post could inspire someone else’s next favorite book!

Whether you’re a bibliophile or a casual reader, Blind Date with a Book is a unique and meaningful way to support a good cause. Join us and let the pages lead you on a new adventure!

Sign up Today
Jun 06
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Volunteer Highlight – Firestone Automotive

By General
Volunteer Spotlight

Firestone Automotive - Flower Mound

When the Book Drive for Kids’ van needed four new tires, we knew who to call! Firestone Complete Auto Care has served Flower Mound residents for many years and our family has been taking vehicles for more than a decade.  They pride themselves on great customer service and fine workmanship as well as great community spirit.

When asked why he was willing to help Book Drive for Kids, the manager Tim Patrick said, “My Mom always gave to the Special Needs programs in our community and I like to follow her example.”  Thank you, Tim, for caring about those who need a little extra help and keeping us driving safely around DFW.

Apr 14
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Volunteer Highlight – Tyler Cohen

By General
Volunteer Spotlight

Tyler Cohen

Tyler Cohen of Butler Cohen does not allow geographic boundaries to deter his volunteer activities.

Back in December 2024, Tyler Cohen volunteered at the first free book fair his company sponsored in Dallas, Texas. From the start, it was evident that Tyler enjoyed interacting with the kids and encouraging them to read the books they selected. “Book Drive for Kids has a tremendous mission,” he said,”and we are excited to support it.”

Fast forward to February 2025. Tyler visited another school serving low-income families located in Houston. Right away he noticed the need for more books for these students. He also remembered the joy and excitement he witnessed at the free book fair in Dallas so he called Book Drive for Kids and asked how he could bring a free book fair to this deserving school in Houston.

We were delighted to explain how our Remote Book Fairs operate! When a sponsor steps forward, we provide the books and materials while the school runs the event with local volunteers or staff. Again, Butler Cohen stepped in to sponsor this event. Tyler recruited volunteers from their company. “It was a lot of fun and very fulfilling making the kids smile,” said Elan Shney, Preconstruction Manager.

While the volunteers from Butler Cohen were excited to provide this event, the students were the real winners.

Memry Bender of Elevate Collegiate shares their experience:

“On behalf of the students, staff, and families at Elevate Collegiate, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous sponsorship of our recent school book fair.

Thanks to your support, we were able to provide a joyful and enriching experience for our students, many of whom discovered new favorite books and rekindled their love for reading. Your contribution helped us ensure that every child had the opportunity to explore, imagine, and learn through the pages of a book—an experience that will stay with them for years to come.

The excitement and smiles we witnessed throughout the week were a powerful reminder of how impactful community support can be. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students’ literacy and education.

Thank you once again for your generosity and for being such a valued part of our school community.”

Apr 14
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3rd Annual Adult Spelling Bee

By General, Spelling Bee

Book Drive for Kids Raises Over $41,000
at 3rd Annual Adult Spelling Bee

Proceeds further the non-profit’s mission to create a culture of literacy and independent reading among disadvantaged children.

LEWISVILLE, TX (March 26, 2025) — Book Drive for Kids, a Denton County-based non-profit that partners with community organizations and Title I schools to get books into the hearts and homes of needy children, announced this week that it raised $41,236 from its 3rd annual Adult Spelling Bee on March 21 at Circle R Ranch in Flower Mound. That’s a roughly 20% increase from last year’s event total and a whopping $27,336 increase from the inaugural event in 2023. This year’s event also attracted 175 attendees—including nine sponsored teams of three that battled for the spelling bee championship and other top honors.

Book Drive for Kids Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Cook said the money raised included $2,570 from the Most Fans award fundraiser. Attendees were asked to vote for their favorite teams, with every dollar equaling one vote. Those proceeds will be used to create summer reading kits for 257 kindergarteners. The rest will further fund BDK’s growing list of free book fairs, donation drives, and more.

“What started as a small concept has continued to grow every year thanks to the generous support of countless individuals, small-business owners, large corporations, educational partners, local groups, school districts, area chambers of commerce, and other community-minded people and organizations,” Cook said. “We are incredibly grateful to our event planning committee, selfless volunteers, and everyone who came out to support our mission of getting books into the hearts and homes of kids who need them.”

Since 2017, Book Drive for Kids has donated over 200,000 books to more than 136,000 students at 253 events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and its reach extends to places like Austin, Houston, and South Texas.

“As always, we are still seeking volunteers and corporate sponsors for free book fairs and hosts for book donation drives,” Cook added. “And, of course, we’re already starting to plan for next year’s spelling bee.”

As for the top spellers and award-getters from this year’s Adult Spelling Bee, there were plenty. Beauties and the Beast (Steve Gamel, Lois Kim, and Kristen Gramling) won the event after narrowly edging Three’s Company (Jen Adame, Darrell Patillo, and Tiffanie Harris) in the finals. Buzzed on Words (Dori Bonitatibus, Stephanie Gardner, and Cindy Williams) was a double winner for Most Fans and Best Costume.

Individual team sponsors were BbK Services 556, PointBank, Mantiki Solutions, ResponsiveEd, Bright Thinker, Lewisville Morning Rotary Club, Independent Financial, Stewart Organization, and PuroClean.

“This is honestly my favorite event of the year—and there are a lot of events throughout the year—because you get to just come as you are and raise money for a great cause,” Lois Kim said. “The casual atmosphere combined with heckling and an opportunity to spell competitively as adults is genius. I’ve volunteered at a book fair where these kids go through the line and tell us they don’t have any money. To tell that child it’s free because of the money we raised at events like this is priceless.”

Steve Gamel agreed. He and Kim have competed in the spelling bee all three years.

“It was a blast to win something like this with Lois and Kristen—especially considering how fierce the competition was. But the real winners are the kids we were all there to support,” Gamel said. “Getting books into their hands is the greatest honor.”

Gramling rounded out the winning team’s thoughts by saying, “It was an honor to compete for Book Drive for Kids to increase awareness and resources for them to continue their work in providing books to those that may not have access. Owning books may seem customary, but for some, it’s a luxury and should be a reality for all kids and their families.”

More About Book Drive for Kids

Book Drive for Kids is a 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to help create a culture of literacy by providing books to disadvantaged children for independent reading. The organization began in 2017 thanks to Cook and fellow co-founder Nicol Klingenstein. With a few hundred used books, they offered a teacher friend the opportunity to host a free book fair at her school, where 90% of the kids were economically disadvantaged. The response went through the roof, leading to even more events in the years to come.

These book fairs do not cost the kids or their families anything—they are just an opportunity to read for pleasure and personal fulfillment. Furthermore, the kids truly feel like these are gifts to them—they don’t see these books as belonging to their school. It’s for them, and they realize there are people they don’t know who genuinely care enough about them and want them to have books available.

Independent reading is not tested, chosen by the reader, and done for pleasure or personal fulfillment. Studies suggest that independent readers become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not. Independent reading may be conducted at school during a silent sustained reading (SSR) period, at home, in the car, or between classes, and even as little as 10 minutes of reading a day significantly affects reading test scores.

For more information, including ways to donate, volunteer, or participate in next year’s adult spelling bee, visit bookdriveforkids.com.

Please direct all media inquiries to:
Michelle Cook, Book Drive for Kids
[email protected]

Jan 31
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Volunteer Highlight – Pam Lipari

By General

Volunteer Spotlight — Pam Lipari

A Heart for Service

At Book Drive for Kids, we are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who believe in the power of books and the impact they can have on a child’s future. One of our very first volunteers, Pam Lipari, continues to serve with unwavering passion, bringing joy and inspiration to young readers.

At a recent book fair, Pam shared, “I love these kiddos! I will volunteer at this school every year!” Her words reflect the deep connection she has with the children she serves, and her commitment to our mission is truly inspiring.

Pam’s gentle voice, warm spirit, and personal appreciation for books—rooted in her own childhood in rural Tennessee—make her a beloved presence in the schools she visits. She understands firsthand how books can open doors to new worlds, spark imagination, and shape young minds.

Her belief in the mission of Book Drive for Kids continues to fuel our work, and we are beyond grateful for her friendship and service. Thank you, Pam, for being a shining light in our community!

To learn how you can volunteer, visit our website.