Kids Receive Free Books from RED Bookshelf and Sunmark

Donation drive collects books to distribute to children in the Capital Region

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The RED Bookshelf, a local nonprofit, is partnering with Sunmark Credit Union to collect books at their branches and provide them for free to children in the Capital Region. The book drive will run until Valentine's Day, and the organizations have distributed over 160,000 books since the program began over a decade ago.

Why it matters

Access to books and reading materials is crucial for developing literacy skills and fostering a love of reading in children. This partnership between the RED Bookshelf and Sunmark aims to make books more accessible to kids in the local community.

The details

The RED Bookshelf, led by Executive Director Paul Collins-Hackett, is expanding its reach by setting up book collection locations in schools and barbershops to connect with even more children. Sunmark's Community Engagement Program Manager Audrey Stone says empowering young readers and sharing inspiring literature is vital.

  • The book drive will run until Valentine's Day 2026.
  • The RED Bookshelf and Sunmark partnership has been going strong for over a decade.

The players

RED Bookshelf

A local nonprofit organization that collects and distributes free books to children in the Capital Region.

Sunmark Credit Union

A credit union that is partnering with the RED Bookshelf to host book collection sites at their branches.

Paul Collins-Hackett

The executive director of the RED Bookshelf.

Audrey Stone

The Community Engagement Program Manager at Sunmark Credit Union.

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What they’re saying

“The positive reactions from kids when they get to choose their own reading materials are incredible.”

— Paul Collins-Hackett, Executive Director, RED Bookshelf (wnyt.com)

“Empowering young readers and sharing literature that inspires dreams and imagination is vital.”

— Audrey Stone, Community Engagement Program Manager, Sunmark Credit Union (wnyt.com)

What’s next

The book drive will continue to collect donations at Sunmark Credit Union branches until Valentine's Day 2026.

The takeaway

This partnership between the RED Bookshelf and Sunmark Credit Union is making a meaningful impact in the community by providing free books and fostering a love of reading in local children.