The Idaho Council of the International Reading Association annually sponsors Operation Wishbook.

Summary of 2011 Activities

We send a hearfelt Thank You to all who have through the years contributed books, services money and personal commitment to Operation Wish Book. Together we provide children with books and promote their ability to succeed through enhanced literacy. 

The number of books collected and distributed in 2011 was greater than the previous year.  Stengthening our relationship with First Book added multiple copies of books to our collection.  Monetary donations allowed us to purchase books in needed genre and form such as board books.  Each book brought joy to the giver and to a child who now owns it.  

Historically, students and teachers throughout the state are asked to donate new books for Christmastime distribution to children in need. Through the help of the local Salvation Army hundreds of new books are made available for parents to choose a “special book” for their child. Many parents look for a specific author or series their child loves to read, or they search for books they loved as children. It is a heartwarming experience for Idaho Reading Council members to gather the books and make them available for distribution. In addition to the hundreds of new books, used books are also collected and distributed to agencies that will in turn, distribute them to families in need. Through the generosity of many, hundreds of children receive a special book at Christmas, which is truly a gift that can be opened again and again!


For more information on
Operation Wishbook, please contact:

Lucy Leavell       208-870-0254   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Betty Reimann      208-376-8687       This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it