Hands Across the Water

CONTACT:

79 Central St.
Stoneham, MA 02180
781-438-4051
website

Jane Miller, Director

DESCRIPTION:

What comes to mind when you think about recycling? Tin cans, old newspapers, cardboard boxes, books. Books? Well, that is what one enterprising organization is doing. Recognizing that Massachusetts is a particularly book-rich state, and that many libraries and schools in developing countries are desperate for recent reading and research material, Hands Across the Water decided to bring the two together. Founded in 2000, Hands Across the Water ships books donated from colleges, libraries, schools and individual donors to grateful organizations across the world, especially Africa. The books are collected at more than 50 sites across Massachusetts, packed into shipping containers and sent to vetted non-profit organizations for distribution to schools and libraries. Hands Across the Water is an all-volunteer organization, relying on donations to cover the costs of acquiring the collection receptacles used to collect the books and for the overseas shipping costs ($1,500 - $3,500 per container) incurred in sending the books. Local organizations and volunteers help to pack the books for shipment and they have been able to send over one million books in the last two. What a great and generous idea! Be a part of it – Recycle!

(2003: INTERNATIONAL)