In North Philadelphia, Tree House Books has been a beacon of hope and literacy since 2005. As a Giving Library and Literacy Center, Tree House Books is dedicated to providing free books and fostering a love for reading among children and families. Their mission extends beyond just distributing books; they offer Out of School Time (OST) programs designed to enhance literacy skills and instill a lifelong passion for reading. The organization’s commitment to making literature accessible to all is a cornerstone of their work.

Recently, Tree House Books received a generous boost thanks to a collaborative effort with Comcast’s Black Employee Network (BEN). The driving force behind this initiative was Ken Mitchell, Installation & Service Supervisor at Comcast. Ken, a passionate advocate for community engagement, first became aware of Tree House Books through the news and was immediately captivated by their mission. As an active leader in BEN, he saw an opportunity to support the organization through a book drive.

Ken’s idea quickly gained momentum. “I suggested that we hold a book drive to help stock up their giving library,” Ken explained. “The team was immediately supportive, and we set up donation boxes across our offices in the region.”

This drive resulted in an impressive donation of over 2,200 books, a gesture that Tree House Books warmly welcomed. Michael Brix, Executive Director of Tree House Books, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the timing of the donation. “Ken’s been working with us for a few months to organize this book drive and it couldn’t have come at a more pertinent time,” Brix said. “During the summer, many kids experience the ‘Summer Slide’ phenomenon where they lose reading levels gained through the school year. With this donation, we can combat the effects of Summer Slide by bringing books to kids through our Traveling Tree House Bookmobile or our Giving Library on West Susquehanna.”

The impact of the donation was immediately evident. Ken shared a touching moment from the book drop-off, where the excitement of the children was palpable. “One of the kids noticed the Comcast NBCUniversal Peacock logo on our uniforms and realized we were the same people who provide Internet to his home. He proudly told us he has Xfinity Internet. It was a moment that really underscored how we’re more than just an Internet provider—we’re also part of the community,” Ken recalled.

The success of the book drive was a testament to the dedication of BEN members, who rallied behind the cause with enthusiasm. From creating promotional materials to coordinating donations and spreading the word, the collective effort was instrumental in making the drive a success.

For Ken, this initiative was more than just a professional accomplishment; it was a personal milestone. “I’m so glad it all came together and I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish,” Ken reflected. “When I took on a leadership role in BEN, I realized I had the opportunity to use my platform to give back to the community.”

Looking ahead, Ken and the BEN team are eager to build on this success. “We’re hoping to make this an annual event,” Ken shared. “The Tree House Books team is on board, and I know there are ways we can make an even bigger impact in the future.”

The collaboration between Tree House Books and Comcast’s Black Employee Network not only highlights the power of community support but also demonstrates the profound difference that dedicated individuals and organizations can make in the lives of children and families. This partnership is a shining example of how working together can foster a love of reading and support literacy in meaningful ways.

Photos courtesy of Comcast.