American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”) has donated over 3,900 new books to local hospitals, community centers, and special care facilities throughout the Greater Philadelphia region during its 15th Annual Books for Kids program. This year’s program collected over $11,500 in donations from members throughout the summer and fall to purchase and distribute the books. Since its inception, the program has donated over 69,200 books and raised over $163,500.
In its fifteenth year, 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.
16 local charities and organizations that received book donations include:
Catholic Community Services Christ’s Home
Congresso
CORA Services
KenCrest
MaST Community Charter School Pan
American Academy Charter School Providence Center
Family Service Association of Bucks
County FELS
Gemma Services
Grand View Hospital
SPIN
Tree House Books
Wissahickon Charter School
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 during visits and educating their parents on the importance of reading with their young ones.
“Each year, we continue to see the growing challenges our children and schools face, as well as an increasing need for book donations,” stated Bruce K. Foulke, President & CEO of American Heritage. “Educational enrichment and literacy are rights that every child deserves. I am deeply appreciative of the commitment our credit union family has in promoting early literacy efforts and am thankful for the contributions of our Board of Directors, associates, and valued members who contribute to this annual program and help to advance this worthy cause.”