20 for 20: Hands to Heart

"A book is a gift you can open again and again." - Garrison Keillor

At Clockwork, we believe in giving back to the community and making a difference where it matters most. To show our dedication, we launched our 20 for 20 campaign, where we selected 20 non-profits to support in celebration of our 20th anniversary this year.

In celebration of our 20 for 20 campaign, the Clockwork team turned our focus on the Hands to Heart book program.

Hands to Heart, is a non-profit organization located in Kansas City, offering essential services and provisions to individuals in need. Their assistance spans from food programs, clothing drives, book donations and holiday season family adoptions. Their book program gathers new and gently used books to provide children with the opportunity to have a book to call their own. In addition to providing children with their own books they donate books to local schools within the community as well as outfit their own shelves to further spread the love of reading.

The Clockwork team collaborated closely, each of us taking the initiative to gather as many books as possible. We sourced books by clearing out our home bookshelves and purchasing new/gently used books from local bookstores. By the time we were ready to drop off our collection, we had successfully gathered 101 books to donate to children across the Kansas City area. We take great pride in contributing to the development of young minds and fostering a love for reading in the next generation.

In reflecting on our efforts, it became clear that the significance of our book collection extends far beyond mere numbers. The 101 books we gathered represent more than just donations; they are keys to unlocking a world of possibilities for the children who will receive them. The power of reading transcends the pages, offering a wealth of benefits that contribute to both personal and intellectual growth. Through our initiative, we are not just providing books; we are giving children the tools to develop their cognitive skills, think critically, and nurture their creativity. It is within the pages of these books that they will find joy, adventure, and an invaluable escape into new worlds, enriching their lives in ways that last a lifetime.

Here are a few statistics provided from Hand to Hearts website:

In Kansas City, less than half of third graders are reading at grade level and for schools with greater needs, it is less than 25%.
Students who can’t read by third grade are 4x more likely to drop out of high school.
In Kansas City’s lowest income neighborhoods, research estimates only 1 in 300 children own a book in their home.
Starting Kindergarten, children from lower socioeconomic groups read around 25 hours. Compared to higher socioeconomic groups with up to 1,000 hours.

Always keep in mind the significant impact your book donation can have on a child's life. Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can support Hands to Heart and enrich the lives of children:

Declutter your children’s bookshelves by donating books they no longer read or need.
Take the initiative to organize a book drive within your community, involving neighbors, schools, and colleagues.
If you prefer a hands-on approach, consider volunteering your time to assist in sorting and distributing donations. Your help is always valued and appreciated.

If you're considering contributing, there are convenient book donation bins scattered throughout the city. Go to https://handstoheartskc.org/bookprogram/ for more information.