- 11 September 2012
Mainfreight USA Joins Forces with Carotrans USA to Give to Children in the Rome, NY Community
On Friday, September 7th 2012, Rome, New York pre-school and elementary school children of Francis Bellamy Elementary along with the Literacy Coalition of Herkimer and Oneida Counties were presented with 30,000 free books, on behalf of Mainfreight and Carotrans USA.
Duffy Books in Homes USA was established in the United States, in 2008 with the help of Dr. Richard Quest – dean of the Rome Campus of Mohawk Valley Community College. Alan Duff, the new Zealand author and original founder of Duffy Books in New Zealand started the organization with intent is to provide free books for children living in ‘bookless homes’ to take home and enjoy in their own space – and to share this joy of reading with family and friends. To date, the organization has donated upwards of 172,000 free books to children. Duffy books tell the kids ‘It's Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve’ and makes the connection between success and reading.
Mainfreight USA, with the help of Terry McMullen of their Omaha branch, organized the delivery of the books. The looks on the children’s faces when the delivery truck pulled up were priceless – and their cheers when the truck ribbon was cut and the truck was opened were beyond heartwarming. Mainfreight & Carotrans USA, along with the Literacy Coalition and the Bellamy School District were thrilled to have the attendance and support of Bryce Hicks, Mainfreight Albany branch manager, Matt Spartz, Carotrans Vice President of Operations, Lara Sepanski Pimentel, Executive Director of the Literacy Coalition of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, as well as several local state and county government representatives.
Duffy Books in Homes USA has plans to grow stronger and distribute more books to children with the continued support of local communities, in the coming years. They see clearly the effect that their efforts have on these young children, and the literacy statistics prove it!
Francis Bellamy Student Proudly Holds His New Book From the Duffy Books in Homes Program
Children of Francis Bellamy Elementary School Show Their Enthusiasm for Reading
Mayor Joseph Fusco, of Rome, NY Shows His Support for the Duffy Books in Homes Program