American Heritage Credit Union donated more than 7,000 new books to hospitals, community centers and special care facilities throughout the Philadelphia region during its 13th Annual Books for Kids program. The program collected over $14,000 in donations from members throughout the summer and fall to purchase and distribute the books. Since inception, the program has donated more than 61,000 books and raised over $140,000.
American Heritage invited members to support its Books for Kids program by becoming “Book Buddies” and donating $3 to purchase a new book to be donated to local hospitals and organizations in American Heritage’s field of membership. When a member purchases a book donation, a label is included with the donor’s name and affixed inside the book.
Local charities and organizations that received book donations included Catholic Community Services, CORA Services and Special People In Northeast Inc.
American Heritage also made a special book donation to the “Reach Out and Read” program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatrics by giving books to children and educating their parents on the importance of reading.
“With all the challenges children and schools have faced the past few years, our book donations are needed now more than ever,” said Bruce K. Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage. “Children deserve educational enrichment and as many opportunities to advance literacy as possible, and I am so appreciative of American Heritage’s Board of Directors, associates and valued members who have contributed to this program and are helping to advance this cause.”
