Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us and ask!
A: There are multiple ways you can donate books:
- If you live in an area with a Write On! Holiday Book Drive chapter, you can contact the chapter leader to arrange a pick-up of the books.
- You can mail the books to the Write On! headquarters: 400 Roosevelt Court, Ventura, CA, 93003
- You can also mail monetary donations that will be used to purchase books to the above address. (Checks made out to Dallas Woodburn.)
- You can donate the books to a charity in your area -- Boys & Girls Clubs tend to be very excited and grateful for donations -- and then e-mail me the total number of books donated to add to our grand-total.
A: We accept books geared towards all age levels, though children's books are preferred. The most important thing is that the books be in good condition. New books are best, though we will also accept very gently used books that seem like new. The books we receive will be given as presents to kids who may not have many books of their own, so we want to make sure that the books we give them are in pristine condition!
A: We donate the books to various charities that then distribute the books to underprivileged kids. These charities include the Boys & Girls Clubs, Casa Pacifica, libraries, inner-city schools, and the Ventura County Migrant Education Services.
A: You can start one of your own! (See How can I start a Holiday Book Drive in my town?) You can also send donations of books or monetary donations to purchase books to the Write On! headquarters: 400 Roosevelt Court, Ventura, CA, 93003. (Please make checks out to Dallas Woodburn.)
A: According to the National Institute for Literacy, illiteracy leads to a higher likelihood of poverty, crime and unemployment. Growing up, I always had plenty of books to read. Yes, I checked out books from the library, but I also had many books of my own -- and there is something special about owning a book, being able to dog-ear and write on the pages, reading it again and again, knowing it is yours alone. I have been told that for some of the recipients of the books we donate through the Write On! Holiday Book Drive, these are the only books they own, and the only Christmas or Hannukah presents they receive. Hopefully, we can inspire a love of reading, which will in turn foster greater self-confidence and a sense of connection to the people and world around them.
A: Wonderful! We would love for you to start a Holiday Book Drive chapter in your area! It can be as large or small of an effort as you have the time and energy for. Many chapter leaders begin book drives by inviting friends and relatives to get involved, and then broaden their efforts to area schools, churches and community groups. I have found in my own efforts that often people in the community want to get involved with literacy endeavors, but aren't sure how -- when they hear about the Holiday Book Drive, they are very excited to help out.
If you are interested in starting a Holiday Book Drive chapter, please e-mail me and I will add you to our chapter list. I can also send you flyers, bookmarks, and other promotional materials to help spread the word and get the ball rolling!
Thanks for your help! Together, we really can make a huge difference!