Collette donates more than 800 books to nonprofit

PAWTUCKET – Collette Vacations employees have gathered more than 800 books for Books Are Wings, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit that provides books to children free of charge. The books will be turned around to benefit children in Pawtucket as well as in Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Providence and Woonsocket.
Collette organizes various collections drives at its offices – this one lasted throughout May – to benefit its community, said Lynne Kelly, community relations manager of the global tour operator. “Books Are Wings’ commitment to promoting reading and providing free books is such a notable cause that Collette is honored to support.”
Collette Vacation’s donation to Books for Wings, however, is only a fraction of the family-owned business’ initiatives to improve the lives of children. The drive was coordinated by the Collette Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company founded in 2007. According to the company’s website, The Collette Foundation is “an employee-run, global initiative connecting Collette employees, its partners, travelers and communities worldwide to improve the quality of life of children.”
Though the Collette Foundation’s scope is global, this particular drive was local. Books Are Wings is dedicated to assisting Rhode Island children develop necessary reading skills by increasing access to books throughout state communities. The organization has provided 8,000 children with reading material since its founding in 1998 and has plans to expand its service to more Rhode Island cities, including Newport, Warren, Westerly and West Warwick. Books Are Wings is currently involved with United Way of Rhode Island for a statewide book drive that will continue through June 30.

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