A few years ago, the Piedmont City Council and the Board of Education initiated a Thanksgiving Children’s Book Drive. Last year they donated over 1600 new and lightly used books to the East Bay Children’s Book Project, which gives away books to any professional who works with children in need. This local non-profit has given away almost 2 million books since opening in 2005. Many retired PUSD teachers and staff volunteer at the East Bay Children’s Book Project, which is located on Harrison across from Whole Foods.
Books awaiting young readers (courtesy of Sarah Pearson) 
PHS student Nate Seevak is pictured with Ann Katz, Director East Bay Children’s Book Project after delivering over 1600 books last November (courtesy of Sarah Pearson) 
Teachers selecting books to for children (courtesy of EBCBP) 
Young readers enjoying new books (courtesy of EBCBP)
The initiative has gotten a boost from the Turkey Trot Committee, which is encouraging participants to bring books to drop off when they come to Veteran’s Hall to pick up their bibs between 3-5:00 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
New this year another partner, Friends of the PHS Library, is helping to make it possible for all new and lightly used books to be accepted. Books for young readers will be given to the EBCBP, and those for high schoolers and above will be donated to the Piedmont High School Library. Note: the PHS Library would prefer books that were published in the past 10 years.