Joseph Catengera in the children’s section at Books–A–Million

While tuning into the news of Hurricane Katrina, ten–year–old Joseph Castengera of Columbia watch-ed as thousands of children sat in shelters unable to go home or to school.

Joseph looked closely at their expressions. He said to his mother without even a second thought, “Mom, the kids look like they’re bored. They don’t even have books to read.”

With that inspiring observation, Joseph and his mother Cindy began to formulate a plan to ship books to those children waiting to be re–located.

During a USC football game, the Castengera family talked to their friends about the idea. Immediately, donations began piling up. And just like that, Joseph collected 321 dollars to go toward “Books for Katrina’s Kids.”

Books–A–Million immediately leaped on board with “Books for Katrina’s Kids.”

According to Cindy Castengera, “Books–A–Million is matching our donations and shipping a supply of books to the Baton Rouge River Center where books will be distributed as part of the relief effort.”

Already amazed by Books–A–Million’s contributions, the Castengera family was delighted that ETV’s Reading Rainbow is also teaming up with “Books for Katrina.”

“Books for Katrina’s Kids” has been registered as a charity, and Wachovia Bank is handling all donations. Those interested in donating money to the cause should simply contact their local Wachovia branch and ask about “Books for Katrina’s Kids.”

“We’re just trying to get the word out that schools and libraries in Louisiana and Mississippi have lost most of their books because of the flood waters,” Cindy explained. “‘Books for Katrina’s Kids’ will keep sending books until all the shelters have been cleared. And after those families have been relocated, we will begin work to rebuild the libraries.”