MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison Reading Project's Community Book Drive is coming to an end Wednesday. The event is the organization’s largest giving initiative of the year.

Staff say a brand-new book can make a meaningful impact in a child’s life, offering inspiration, representation and a chance to explore new stories during winter break.

Each year, requests for books increase as community partners and schools seek gifts for children to take home. Madison Reading Project works with the Empty Stocking Club and other local gift-giving events, making it possible for families to receive a book alongside a toy. Last year, the drive helped distribute more than 15,000 new books between November and December. Funds and donated books from this year’s campaign will support free book fairs, holiday

See Full Page