As the Executive Director of Making Spirits Bright, I have the privilege of witnessing something truly special happening in our community—again and again, three times a month, in schools that need it most.
We walk into these schools with boxes of books, but what we’re really bringing is access, opportunity, and joy.
Our free book fairs are designed to reach students in lower-income schools—children who may not have books of their own at home, or the chance to visit a bookstore or library regularly. And yet, when those tables are set up and the doors open, the energy is unmistakable. Students light up as they browse, carefully choosing stories that speak to them. For many, this is the first time they’ve been told, “Pick any book you want—it’s yours to keep.”
That moment matters.
In just a short time, we’ve given away thousands of books. But the impact goes far beyond the numbers. We are helping children build home libraries, develop a love of reading, and see themselves reflected in stories. We are helping to close the gap in access to books—one child, one story at a time.
But we know we can’t do this work alone.
Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly grateful for the organizations that come alongside us to strengthen literacy in our communities. One partnership that has been especially meaningful is with Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
Known for their mission of feeding bodies, nourishing spirits, and strengthening communities, they have become an unexpected and powerful partner in our work. Through their food bank, they have been providing us with books—yes, books—helping us expand our reach and get even more stories into the hands of children who need them.
It’s a beautiful example of what happens when missions align.
Food nourishes the body. Books nourish the mind. And when we bring those together, we strengthen the whole child—and the entire community.
We are also continuing to collaborate with other organizations that share our commitment to literacy, ensuring that books don’t just reach schools, but are woven into broader programming that supports children and families.
Another new partner is Neuro Restorative. Each week, they send a handful of their participants to our headquarters to work at the book bank. These participants are relearning many skills after surviving auto accidents. Working with the team on Tuesdays has become a day I look forward to each week!
Neuro Restorative has sent us their participants on a weekly basis
As I reflect on the work we’re doing, I’m reminded that access to books should never be a privilege—it should be a given. Every child deserves the chance to discover the magic of a story, to see themselves on the page, and to dream bigger because of it.
At Making Spirits Bright, we’re not just giving away books. We’re opening doors, sparking imagination, and helping to build a future where every child has the tools to succeed.
And we’re just getting started.
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