Pajama Program
Accepted books: Brand-new and unused children’s and young adult books
Pajama Program supports children in unstable and uncertain living situations. This New York–based nonprofit generously donates books and pajamas to kids living in shelters, group homes and temporary housing facilities. Nightfall is the most vulnerable time for these children, but by donating books to Pajama Program, you can help them feel safe, important and loved.
Keep in mind: The organization accepts only brand-new or unused book donations that aren’t focused on violence, death, terminal or serious medical issues, religion, holidays or divorce. And don’t send any that use provocative language or images (such as curse words, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex and partying) or that focus on family roles (such as parents or siblings). Instead, send books suitable for children in grades pre-K through high school. Want to do even more good? Before you upcycle old clothes, set aside kids’ PJs and donate them with your books to Pajama Program.
How to donate
Complete the Pajama Program donation form. Upon receipt, someone from a local chapter or the national office will get in touch to coordinate the delivery of your donation to the appropriate location.
Books for Africa
Accepted books: Any
Books for Africa creates a culture of literacy and provides tools of empowerment for students, parents, teachers and community leaders in Africa. By donating used books to this nonprofit, you’re helping mobilize communities eager to gain an education. As the website declares, “When the books arrive, they go to those who need them most: children who are hungry to read, hungry to learn, hungry to explore the world in ways that only books make possible.” The organization spends 50 cents per book on shipping to Africa, so as you pack up your book donation, consider making a monetary donation as well.
How to donate
If you live in the area, you can drop books off at the St. Paul, Minnesota, or Marietta, Georgia, location. Otherwise, send your donation to the Books for Africa warehouse at 1491 Cobb Industrial Drive, Building B, Marietta, GA 30066. After dropping off or mailing in your books, send an email to [email protected]; the organization will send you a thank-you letter for your records.
Project Night Night
Accepted books: Brand-new children’s books
Donate new books (for newborns and kids up to age 12) to Project Night Night, which benefits at-risk, homeless children under the age of 12. Each year, the charity sends more than 25,000 Night Night Packages to homeless shelters across America. Each package contains children’s books, stuffed animals and a security blanket, all wrapped in a canvas tote. The organization’s mission is to distribute these care packages to every homeless child in the country, promote education and provide comfort for children in stressful and uncertain living conditions.
You can donate books in a variety of children’s book genres, but avoid sending religious books, heavy books (like large, hardbound anthologies) and books with batteries. Don’t have books to donate? You can also order them from the organization’s Amazon wish list and send them directly.
How to donate
Send books to Jessica Bryan at Project Night Night (1026 Kensington Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230) or email [email protected] for California delivery instructions.
