Leadership Oakland Book Drive
Think of how it feels to open a new book. To crack that cover for the first time and know that the words within can transform, inform, inspire you and more. Now imagine being in a home where there are no books. Finances may not allow for this “luxury.” It may be the adults in the home are non-readers, challenged with even the most basic reading tasks—a checkbook, bills, notes from the child’s teacher. Sound impossible? Remember—10% of the adults in Oakland County are in this very situation. These are not people who are likely to purchase books for their kids—they can’t read them to them! And the cycle continues.
What are we collecting?
New children’s books suitable for ages newborn through high school.
How do our members and friends contribute to this book drive?
When you buy a book for your kids or grandkids, pick some up for the book drive. Check out the sale tables for great deals. Ask book stores to donate overstock. Conduct a book drive at your place of worship or your place of work. Let your kids conduct a book drive. It will teach them lessons on many levels. Make a cash donation to Leadership Oakland to be used to purchase books. The possibilities are endless.
Why is the book drive in honor of Neal Shine?
Neal Shine, former publisher of the Detroit Free Press started his career as a copyboy and learned the industry literally from the ground up. In his retirement, Neal taught journalism courses, including those related to ethics in journalism, at Oakland University and was a favorite speaker around the state and beyond. He was also a dear friend of Leadership Oakland. He was always cheerfully available when we called on him to speak and was an entertaining as well as informative and inspiring presenter.
With just a touch of his Irish roots in his voice, he could tell a story with a purpose in a way that engaged his listeners and illustrated the importance of his point. Neal had a way of touching lives so that even new acquaintances felt that he was a friend—and in fact—he felt and treated people in the same way. A few years ago when Neal passed on to a place where ethics in journalism—or anything else—is a non issue—we knew that we had lost one of the world’s truly great leaders. LOXVII would be the last Leadership Oakland Class to hear him speak but he left an indelible mark on the group. They heard him loud and clear when he said “Think of it. If everyone would do one thing—just one small thing—think what a difference it would make.” They used “One Small Thing” as a class motto and it played an influence in their class project as well in their individual continuing leadership activities.
Neal also talked to a Leadership Oakland group know as “PhaseIII” Leaders; those who were seasoned leaders and looking for ways to continue their leadership abilities in their senior years. Neal talked to them about his belief that children—all children—should have a new book at home to love. The group flooded Neal with new books and brought this tender hearted man to tears. The book drive continues as an on-going effort of Leadership Oakland. Each book contains a label in the front with the LO logo and the words: “In honor of Neal Shine-one of the world’s great leaders.”
The book are distributed through our partnership with Oakland Schools Intermediate School District. They ensure they get to the kids in local districts who will have the greatest need.
