Books4Buddies was conceived in 2012 by teen Toledo native Touré McCord II, grandson of Laneta Goings, who wanted to encourage reading among disadvantaged young men. Evolving into a global nonprofit, Books4Buddies is represented by a diverse group of teenage males from public and private high schools across the USA, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Since its inception, Books4Buddies has collected more than 200,000 books through collaborations with Rotary Club International and American Cultural Education Students (ACES). These books have been distributed throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond, aiming to foster a love for reading.
The initiative was spearheaded by "Book Ambassadors," including Touré and several other area male teenagers. These ambassadors played a crucial role in promoting the program through public appearances and special events, which featured guest speakers and outings with local leaders and celebrities.
However, with heavy hearts, we announce the conclusion of this remarkable chapter. Our Co-Founder, Laneta Goings, is retiring, and Touré has embarked on a new career path as a videographer/photographer in California. We have distributed our final boxes of books, generously donated by the community and stored by The Blade newspaper over the years.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Your contributions have been invaluable in fulfilling our mission to encourage reading, education, and a more fulfilling future for youth. While it's impossible to name all who have assisted us, please know that your support has been greatly appreciated.
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