May 19, 2005, Punta Gorda, Florida. Boaters for Books faces a major challenge this year. Grenada lost thousands of school and library books to the ravages of Hurricane Ivan. In particular, most of the schools on the south shore have been stripped of their reading texts, teaching and school supplies and fiction. The schools were looted after the winds subsided. The situation is dire and the teachers are begging for books and materials. We are taking steps now to be absolutely sure that when our shipment reaches Grenada it is stored safely and distributed properly.

Assisting us in this effort is Grenadian American Wilfred Thomas, President of the Grenada American Educational & Cultural Organization. Thomas’ wife is the U.S. Ambassador to Senegal. Mr. Thomas is donating his time to rally other Grenadians in the U.S. to the task of identifying which schools and libraries most need attention. We are also in communication with the Honorable Senator Emmalin Pierre, the Minister of Youth Affairs in Grenada.

What we need now are funds to provide critical educational needs, such as:

• Reading text books K-6 with teaching materials
• Fiction and non-fiction (bios, Eyewitness series, science, health) K-6
• School supplies (paper, theme books, pencils, pens, etc.)
• Posters for the walls (ABC’s, 1-2-3’s and so forth)

All donations are tax deductible.