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.

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.

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.