Books for Kids gets independent nonprofit status

THE GORGE — Books for Kids Columbia Gorge, whose mission is to promote literacy development and increase educational equity by providing new, high-quality books to kids in the Gorge who need them most, has received independent 501c3 status.

As previously reported by Columbia Gorge News, the nonprofit formed in 2023 by combining First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County and adding Klickitat and Skamania counties. Books for Kids Columbia Gorge has been operating under the umbrella of Gorge Ecumenical Ministries (GEM) since that time, with the understanding that Books for Kids would develop its own 501c3 in the coming years.

More recently, Books for Kids has been raising funds to provide children’s books in One Community Health (OCH) lobbies, and the board approved the purchase of books for OCH offices at its April 23 meeting.

Funds will continue to be collected through Books for Kids Columbia Gorge, PO Box 221, Hood River, to use for all four OCH lobbies.

Books for Kids also awarded a $2,000 book grant to the Education Service District (ESD) Indian Education Program. Funds were donated by The Dalles Kiwanis ($500) and Books for Board Member Nancy Johanson Paul ($500), and the Wasco Masons ($1,000).

Books for Kids is seeking individual and group donations of any size, as well as commitments of ongoing support. Tax deductible donations will be used to give books to low-income children in local literacy programs, with teachers choosing the books to meet each student’s needs and interests. To donate, visit www.booksforkidscg.org and designate the county where you want the funds to be spent.

The organization is additionally seeking new board members; email booksforkidscg@gmail.com for more information.