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 Have you ever videotaped your children when they first see what is under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning?  That was what the children’s faces looked like last Tuesday at Guilford Elementary School. We surprised the students when they came in for “Picture Day” with 2,000 books piled on tables.  The students were told that they could choose 3 books each to have for their very own.  For many of these kids, these will be the first books that they have owned.  They went back to their classrooms hugging their books and excited to be allowed to write their names inside – proof that they could keep them “forever and for always”.  Many thanks to all who donated books to our first Book Drive for Guilford Elementary School, and a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped set up, assist the children, and clean up after the event.

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‘Twas the night before Book Day

When in the Guilford gymnasium

Tables were set up

for the big surprise yet to come.

 

The boxes were unloaded by volunteers with care

In hopes that kids’ smiles soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

With no idea of the special day that was ahead.

 

For our people are caring, and they give when we ask

So we stacked up those books – a formidable task!

 

We sorted those novels, the fiction and non

Picture books, tall tales and stories from beyond,

Goosebumps and Pokemon and Jillian Jigs

Sports books, and math books and tales about pigs.

 

The teachers were skeptical

as they waited their turn.

Would there be enough books

so their students could learn?

 

When what to their wondering eyes should appear

Books and more books, (there was no reason to fear!)

There were more than enough for each child to have three.

The hard part, of course – Which three would it be?

 

More rapid than eagles,

The children they came

And they whistled and shouted

And called books by name.

 

“Star Wars, and Hardy Boys,

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Junie B. Jones, and a book about squids!”

 

“Do you have Curious George?

Oh we just love them all –

Choose a book, choose a book,

It’s like a book mall!”

 

We had to explain to each little peep

That these books were for them

To take home and to keep.

Forever their own to love and to read,

Our people were so generous to help fill this need.

 

Each child stopped to thank us with words, waves and hugs.

Each child made an impact – my heartstrings felt tugs.

So I thank each of you for your giving and love.

Such a great witness of our Father above.