United Way advancing the common good with a book drive

The United Ways branches in Idaho are coming together to fight summer learning loss across the Gem State.

The United Way in Idaho Falls and the United Way in Bonneville County are doing this by hosting the 3rd Annual United Way Children’s Book Drive.

They are asking Idahoans to donate their new and gently used books. The statewide goal is 100,000 books.

Tracy Hort is the district manager at U.S. Bank in Idaho Falls. She said U.S. Bank has been a long-time supporter of the book drive.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote education and allow for books to be donated for kids who may not get them otherwise so that they can build their skills and grow over the summer,” Hort said.

The book drive will allow community members, corporate partners, small business and faith and civic organizations to support the United Way’s efforts to collect the books and distribute them to low-income children in Idaho.

According to United Way, low-income children experience greater summer learning losses than their higher-income peers.

The United Way Book Drive runs through April 14.

Volunteers needed to help collect, sort and distribute the books. People interested in volunteering are encouraged to call the United Way at 208-522-2674.

The Idaho National Laboratory, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and School District 91 are doing book drives with their employees. For more information, click here.

The drop-off locations are:

Idaho Falls
United Way Office – 330 Shoup Ave., Suite 202.
U.S. Bank – 585 1st St.
U.S. Bank – 330 Shoup Ave.
Idaho Central Credit Union – Broadway Branch – 169 Houston Circle.
Idaho Central Credit Union – Sunnyside Branch – 3330 South 15th East.
Starbucks – 900 E 17th St.
Starbucks – 157 Houston Circle.
Villa Coffeehouse – 344 Park Ave.

Rigby
U.S. Bank – 183 S State St.

Rexburg
U.S. Bank – 77 E Mail St.
Idaho Central Credit Union – 673 North 2nd East.