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New to First Book?
Join us to connect with thousands of fellow educators and access exciting educational events and resources for you and your students.
Posted in: First Book Communit Highlight, For Educators, Impact Stories
At First Book, we’re proud to shine a light on those making a difference in their communities through reading and education. One of these champions is Theresa, founder ofGrandma’s Love, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood hunger and promoting a love for reading in New York City.
Nearly a decade ago, Theresa noticed a troubling trend–children frequently asking for extra meals. She recognized that hunger was a barrier to learning, and she knew she had to act.
That’s when Grandma’s Love was born. Starting at a local elementary school, the organization began providing backpacks filled with food for children and their families to take home throughout the school year.
Since then, Grandma’s Love has expanded into several schools, offering free book fairs, year-round food pantries, and even book vending machines in hospitals and schools. These efforts have helped meet children’s basic needs while nurturing a love of reading.
In 2017, Theresa spotted a book vending machine at a Georgia airport, sparking a new idea. After thorough research, Grandma’s Love discoveredInchy’s Bookworm Vending Machinefrom Global Vending. Instead of accepting money, these machines use tokens that children can use to choose from up to 25brand-new books.
The first machines were installed in hospitals, where children facing stressful situations could find comfort in selecting a book of their own. Grandma’s Love also delivers extra books to hospital staff that don’t fit in the vending machine, ensuring every child who needs a book receives one.
Theresa is intentional about creating an experience that empowers children to choose the books they want to read. Every vending machine is stocked with:
Theresa and Grandma’s Love team’s dedication to children’s well-being and their access to books is a shining example of community leadership. Their work not only meets immediate needs but also creates lasting opportunities for children to thrive. Through her relentless advocacy and hands-on community work, Grandma’s Love is making a lasting impact on those they serve.
Educators can joinFirst Book’s Network— the largest online community of individual educators, professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting children in need across North America — to bring new books, educational resources, and supplies to their classroom or program.
