To address the need for age appropriate books in elementary and middle schools in southwest Washington, Goodwill will give approximately 1,000 teachers and educators 35,000 free books at its Kent, Tacoma and Olympia thrift stores on Saturday, Aug 26.

“Helping people gain the skills and education they need for employment starts at the very beginning, with our kids,” said Lori Forte Harnick, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region. “Our Goodwill team is thrilled to have the opportunity to donate 35,000 books to teachers and their students across our community.”

Free books for educators will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three Goodwill Outlet stores – Kent, 315 Washington Ave. S.; Tacoma, 3120 S. Pine St.; and Olympia, 4014 Martin Way E.

Goodwill will offer an assortment of children’s books, from early learning picture books to readers, chapter books, and teen and young adult series for older students.

“Being active with parent boards at my daughter’s schools, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous need for more books and supplies,” said Jennifer Kupka, president of the Columbia Junior High Boosters Program. “Our teachers spend so much of their own money for their classrooms and many students cannot afford even the basics. While parent groups work hard to raise money to support reading programs, there is still a great need, especially in lower income districts.”

Teachers and educators simply furnish proof of their occupation with their school ID to take up to 30 books each back to their school. Teachers will also receive coupons for their students good for an additional free book per student at all regional Goodwill stores to use as classroom incentives. Books will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.