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Branches Books And Sunrise Rotary Give The Gift Of Reading

OAKHURST – Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary and Branches Books & Gifts have partnered to bring books to schools, promoting learning, literacy and community between the service organization, local business and Wasuma Elementary School.

Tim Madden, Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary President contacted Anne Driscoll of Branches Books & Gifts at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year to propose a partnership.

The morning Rotary club hosts weekly meetings featuring guest speakers who are presented with a thank-you gift for their time. Madden felt that instead of a gift, offering a book would be the perfect show of appreciation. At the beginning of each quarter, current best-selling books are chosen and picked up from the bookstore by Madden.

“Our speakers have really appreciated donating a book to the school library instead of receiving a small personal gift,” says Madden. “Rotary is a huge supporter of our local schools and education throughout the world.”

At the end of each meeting, guest speakers are provided with a choice of books. The books are pre-determined through conversations between Wasuma and Branches Books to find the most current needs for the school library. The book is adorned with a small bookplate on the inside cover with a place for the guest to sign and notate the donation. Books are being delivered quarterly and have been received with much enthusiasm and appreciation by both the guest speakers and the school.

“The generosity of Sierra Rotary has helped us boost our library with modern, age-appropriate literature from Branches Books that will enrich every life that passes through our campus. We are grateful for the efforts of Tim and Anne,” says Dalene Stephens, Wasuma Elementary School PTA President.

About Rotary

“Chartered in 1987, the Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club lives by Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” serving our local and international communities through a variety of projects and activities.

“From high school scholarships, to support of local non-profits such as the Boys & Girls Club, Manna House, the Oakhurst Branch Library and the Community Center, our Sunrise Rotarians work hard at making our town a better place to live.

“We are also actively involved in the ‘International’ part of Rotary International. Through our District’s matching grant program Club members are doing hands-on work in many countries. Our Club has sent members to do wheelchair distributions, work on clean water and sanitation projects, school improvement activities, and maternal and child health programs just to name a few.”

About Branches Books:

“Branches Books & Gifts, in Oakhurst, California, is a locally owned, independent bookstore featuring regional titles, bestsellers, local authors, guidebooks, cards, journals, toys, games and more. We are staffed by well-read, friendly booksellers and we look forward to helping you find just the right book for you, whether you’re shopping online with us or in person.”

Photo (from left) Mark Box (8th grade), Anne Driscoll (Branches Books Owner), Dalene Stephens (Wasuma PTA President & son Simon), Sophie McGoldrick (8th grade), Tim Madden (Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise President), Derek Hendricks, Trevor Franck & Jason Mercier (Wasuma Principal)

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