“One of the things we’re focusing on here at North Canton is a love for reading,” said Principal Belinda Trantham. “We can always use new books, and the kids are so excited.”

A member of the Cavalry Road Baptist Church in Waynesville, Trantham and her congregation were able to gather around 400 new books, one for each of the 375 students at North Canton. The books were handed out last Friday in the school’s media center.

“It’s great the kids get to come in here and choose a book,” said Media Coordinator Valerie Guyer. “I love it when they come in, sit and read.”

Once they pick their book, the students can bring them home to enjoy. It’s all theirs, a result of the kindness of the holidays generated throughout the community.

“And the kids will also be writing ‘Thank You’ notes, too,” Trantham said. “This whole thing is great because a lot of the students don’t have that opportunity to get a new book.”