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Miss Vargas Classroom Drop-Off - October 30, 2009

2010-02-23 11:45:33

OK! Let me tell you about what I just got finished doing today. TH Books For Kids had finally gathered enough books to help Miss Vargas' 4th grade class in Pico Rivera, CA so we delivered them to the elementary school. I showed up with some folks from the charity and that's when we were greeted by 30 kids singing When It Comes in it's entirety. All of them in matching school shirts and choreography. AHHH! I just could not stop smiling. If helping this bookless classroom wasn't worth the trip on it's own, I tell ya, this performance sure was.

I sang 'em a couple songs and had a group sing along to When It Comes at the end. I have footage of it that's pretty priceless on THBooksForKids.org. So, thank you, thank you to all of you who sent those books in. We received way more than our goal. That was all you! Thanks also to Sarah for alerting us to Ms. Vargas' class' needs! We always take suggestions of where we can direct our book collecting and distributing so sign on to the the charity website and let us know if you have any ideas. Good team effort!

Tyler

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

THANK YOU LETTERS

photos by Sandra Gilmore

Tyler Goes Homeless... with Books - April 16, 2009

2010-02-23 11:45:06

By far my favorite part of being involved in TH Books for Kids is watching an idea turn into reality. It never ceases to amaze me. I remember being at a show here in L.A. not too long ago where a couple of board members for the charity happened to be, and we ended up wondering how we could focus our energies on L.A. since we hadn't done anything for this great city we all live in. We threw around the idea of helping the homeless and possibly getting involved with some shelters, making sure they had books for the kids that came through. It sounded like a good idea, but none of us had ever dealt with the folks who administered shelters.

Once again, our kick ass director, Dana, did her research and found an organization called Beyond Shelter in downtown L.A. After talking to some of the saints who run the show down there, we decided they could really benefit from our fundraising. Originally we started this charity to help kids have access to books, and when possible, the opportunity to take home books of their own.

The crisis center for Beyond Shelter is where families go when they've just been put out on the street and have no idea what to do next. The staff helps parents find housing and work if necessary. Unlike homeless shelters, they help find homes for families and offer education on how to keep the families stable by staying housed. They accept two parent families and boys over 11. Most shelters don't.

We toured the offices and met the small staff who seemed to be wearing many hats to keep the place going. They showed us the area where the kids play and read and wait while their parents are being helped to solidify their next move as a family. Hardly any toys or books were in the room. They explained that the kids are allowed to take any toys or books with them when they leave the center. Phew...what a small gesture that can mean so much! We delivered 5 boxes of books for all ages (do you know how heavy a box of books is? So, so heavy. Well...I'm not known for my muscles. I carried one box in and they asked me if I wanted a dolly. My face was probably begging for one. Uh...yeah, sure. I mean if you have one I guess I'll just use it... phew....) along with several Borders and Barnes and Noble gift cards and finally, a check for $5,500.

All of this came from you. Whether it was a bit of money you donated on the website, or some books you brought to a show, or even a gift card you donated, all of it came from you. I almost felt guilty shaking their hands, seeing their smiles, and saying "Your welcome" without you there. You would have loved it. Really, really cool guys! I offered to send some more books their way when they run out of what we gave them, but I think that's gonna last 'em awhile.

And now we're off looking for other adventures! If you have any ideas of where we can be of help or want to donate, just head over to THBooksForKids.org or MySpace.com/THBooksForKids. You'll see some photos from yesterday and from all the book collecting and distributing events we've had. Again, please send me any ideas you have for how else we can help! Meanwhile, we'll keep our own brains storming and watch with pleasure together as ideas turn into more feel good realities!

Tyler

photos by Sandra Gilmore

WELCOME TO THE NEW SITE!! -- October 11, 2008, 07:28:30 PM

2010-02-23 11:44:01

Well, we're up! Shiny new site....yea. Everyone here at TH Books for Kids has been bustling around, reading your ideas, and talking about ways to make this cause and site the best it can be. I'm assuming if you're reading this you're at least mildly curious what we've got going on here and, if it strikes you, how you can get involved!

Basically we're devoted to promoting child literacy. Volunteers are encouraged to keep their ears to the ground for anywhere we can be of help as well as brainstorming on how to raise money to get these individual projects funded. We also have an annual fundraising event held during the holidays. We'll keep you updated with pictures and videos as we go of what we've been up to. Thanks for coming by and hope you and I and the rest of us at TH Books for Kids are doing something together really soon!

-TYLER