Altrusa Youngstown, Goodwill celebrate milestone of 20,000 donated books
Altrusa Youngstown is celebrating a major literacy milestone this month, announcing that its volunteer-led Book Donation Project has surpassed 20,000 donated books since its launch in April 2023.
The ongoing partnership with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries (YAGI) has quickly become one of the organization’s most impactful initiatives, enriching lives across Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties by providing free access to books for community members of all ages.
What began as a bimonthly sorting effort by Altrusa’s 48-member volunteer group quickly grew into a weekly operation as the volume of usable books increased — along with the community’s need for them.
Volunteers work with YAGI to identify books that, while no longer suited for retail, still hold tremendous value for readers. These books are then sorted, repurposed, and distributed locally instead of being sent to recycling streams.
The Book Donation Project reflects Altrusa’s long-standing mission to improve communities through service, particularly in the areas of literacy and education.
With titles ranging from children’s picture books to adult fiction, nonfiction, and specialty interest collections, the effort ensures that reading materials reach individuals regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical barriers.
The donated books support families, students, seniors, and organizations that might otherwise face limited access to literacy resources.
“In just over two years, this project has grown beyond anything we imagined,” said Mary Yee, President of Altrusa Youngstown. “Thanks to our partnership with Goodwill and the dedication of our volunteers, thousands of books that once sat unused have found new homes, new readers, and new purpose. Promoting literacy is at the heart of what we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we are truly making a difference.”
Throughout the year, donated books are shared with a wide network of community partners.
During this season in particular, Altrusa’s efforts benefit locations such as the Davis Center, Meridian HealthCare, Rotary Little Free Libraries, the Greenford Library, and Beatitude House. Additional donations reach schools such as Niles, Austintown, Boardman, and Salem, social service agencies, neighborhood groups, and community events as needs arise.
YAGI plays a critical role in collecting and sorting books from its retail donations before they are evaluated by Altrusa volunteers. This collaboration ensures that materials are effectively repurposed, reducing waste while expanding literacy access across the region.
Both organizations emphasize that the milestone reflects not only the power of volunteer service, but also the generosity of local donors who continually provide books for reuse. With the ongoing demand for accessible reading materials, Altrusa Youngstown plans to continue its weekly efforts and expand distribution as opportunities grow.
For more information about Altrusa Youngstown or to learn how to support the Book Donation Project, visit goodwillyoungstown.org.