A CHARITY WORTH GIVING TO: THE BOOK BANK FOUNDATION

By Wendy Trust, Volunteer for The Book Bank Foundation


This year on December 16th, The Book Bank Foundation members and volunteers traveled through 4 of the 5 New York City boroughs and delivered over 300 coats, over 75 bags of donated clothes, and hundreds of toys to shelters and to the streets. We started at 10:30 a.m. and traveled tell 10:30 p.m. at night ensuring that every ounce of donated clothing was delivered. We had a full-sized travel bus, and the donated items were packed to the brim underneath and piled in the back of the bus. It was a great event whose success can be measured in the heart and passion of The Book Bank Foundation members that worked hard to make the event happen. Click to view photos.

From my perspective, every once and awhile, you meet people that change your life. The people of The Book Bank Foundation have done that for me by sharing with me an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. This past week I was lucky enough to be a part of two signature events for The Book Bank Foundation, first the Hero Awards, and second, Shelter from the Street. This is a charity that does real work, for real people who need it. What I mean by that is, we did something profound in Shelter from the Streets….we took real items like clothing, coats, and toys to real people who couldn’t afford to purchase them and gave it to them. There are a lot of organizations out there that do great things for people, but many of them take the donated items and store them in warehouses until they can get sorted and then give it to people who need them 2-3 years later. So when people ask me why I was crazy enough to juggle my family, work, school and helping The Book Bank Foundation, my reply, “The Book Bank Foundation is doing the right thing, fighting illiteracy and trying to give back to those communities that need the helping hand of humanity....it just feels right to me.“

On a separate note, earlier this week in Barnegat, New Jersey, a family’s home burnt to the ground. The Book Bank Foundation found out (with their new location in Jackson, NJ) and was on site delivering several bags of clothing, coats and shoes to the family by 11:00 a.m.

In short, I have witnessed two profound things that the Book Bank Foundation has done this week (both the Shelter from the Streets and helping the fire victims in Barnegat) and I am truly blessed to have shared these moments with this great organization.

Thank you Glenn Toby, Jennifer Lewis , Jamaal, Tee, Slim, Eva, CFG, Dr. Ira, GOG, Kathleen, Larry B. and the rest of the crew who worked hard this week to make this happen. It was well worth the journey.

P.S. If you would like to donate or get involved, you can email info@thebookbankfoundation.org.

The Book Bank Foundation 7th Annual Hero Awards

On December 11^th, 2010 The Book Bank Foundation hosted a monumental event to which our members and sponsors were joined by friends, family and celebrities and athletes (Raymond Felton, Monique Calhoun (Runway Model and Finalist on America’s Top Model), R.A. The Rugged Man (Rapper and Lyricists), and Anthony Randolph (NY Knick)) from across the United States, as we celebrated our two honorees, Raymond Felton and John A. Thorburn, at the 7^th Annual Hero Awards in New York City.

By way of literal translation, the word hero is defined as “a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength” (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=hero). These are characteristics held by few men, and that is why the BBF is proud to honor both Raymond Felton, co-captain of the New York Knicks, and SSGT. John Andrew Thorburn, a decorated war veteran, as our 2010 Heroes.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Jennifer Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Book Bank Foundation, introduced Larry B., a local teenager from New York and read aloud a letter he wrote to Glenn Toby, our Founder , requesting the opportunity to meet Raymond Felton. As Jennifer read the letter, you could feel the heaviness of hearts in the room as we heard Larry’s story. In his short-life, Larry has faced more adversity than most adults experienced in a life time. He lost both his father and best friend to gun violence, was taken from his mother by the state, and put in both foster care and group homes. At the closing of the letter, Jennifer announced and welcomed our honored guest, Raymond Felton to come meet Larry. With arms wide open, Raymond walked over and gave Larry a great big South Carolina hug. Larry said this was one of the best moments of his life…”a dream come true.” To which Jennifer said “this is why we do what we do.”

In closing of the event, the awards were given to our distinguished guests. The first honoree, Raymond Felton was joined by his parents, Raymond and Barbara Felton, and fellow team mate, Anthony Randolph as Chris Furrule, President of Creative Financial Group presented him with his award.

Our second honoree, John A. Thorburn passed away earlier this year, and even though he was not with us it was clear by the large group of friends and family that he left a great legacy. His son, R.A. The Rugged Man accepted the award on behalf of his father and family.

On behalf of The Book Bank Foundation, we would like to extend a special thank you to our honorees, Larry B. and to our sponsors--Creative Financial Group of New Jersey, Dr. Saint Martin, Bubblefish, Sugartime and Mark Trust.

Shelter From The Streets 2010

This Thursday, December 16, The Book Bank Foundation (BBF) members and volunteers will come together for the last signature event in 2010, Shelter From The Streets.

For this event, donated items (i.e., winter clothing, blankets, personal products and toys) are taken to the homeless and underprivileged during the Holiday Season. Volunteers travel via charter bus to each location visiting shelters in four of the New York City’s boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, New York City) and then on to the city streets to give away the remaining donated items.

"The Shelter from the Streets will change your life....Come join us on Thursday. Help heal the forgotten, lost, and lonely this Thursday" said Glenn Toby, BBF Founder.

Bus tickets are sold for $40.00 to volunteers and mini sponsors to join the BBF in their fight to help bring hope to those who need it. Every ticket holder receives a BBF T-shirt. All proceeds benefit The Book Bank Foundation. So come join us as we change lives, and change ourselves as we give back to the community.


The bus will leave from Hollis Famous Burgers/Hip Hop Museum http://www.hollisfamousburgers.com/ at 10:00 am. The street address is 201-03 Hollis Avenue, New York, NY 11412.

Buy Tickets: http://www.ticketleap.com/login/?next=http%3A//thebookbankfoundation.ticketleap.com/admin/events/shelter-from-the-streets-nyc-shelter-tour/details/

The Book Bank Foundation's "The 5 Horrors" PSA

As we get closer to the end of the year, The Bank Bank Foundation will host their two signature New York events. Therefore would like to give a little snap shot of why we fight for the homeless in New York City. Join us on 12/16 as we deliver donated goods to men, women and children in the homeless shelters in our Shelter from the Streets event.

To buy tickets go to: http://www.ticketleap.com/login/?next=http%3A//thebookbankfoundation.ticketleap.com/admin/events/shelter-from-the-streets-nyc-shelter-tour/details/