Felicia Donson’s journey with Mom's Book Nook began with a beautiful partnership--that of a mother and daughter united in their passion for giving back. “My mother, a retired nurse from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, was not just my parent but my dearest friend and inspiration,” says Donson. “Together, we discovered the joy of volunteering, particularly through the hospital's corporate volunteer program.”

Donson’s mom had a passion for helping children and found a perfect way to do that when she connected with a close family friend who was a retired teacher. This friend's former classroom became their canvas for spreading the love of reading.

“We took great pleasure in curating and expanding her classroom library, ensuring it was well-stocked for each school year. But our efforts didn't stop at the classroom door. We made it our mission to place books directly into the hands of students, gifting them literature to enjoy during holiday breaks and summer vacations. The goal was simple yet profound: to nurture a love for reading that extended beyond the school walls and into their daily lives,” Donson says.

The response from the students was heartwarming. Their enthusiasm for reading blossomed under their teacher's guidance, and soon, waiting lists formed for the books provided. It was clear that the mother-daughter team was not just distributing books; they were opening doors to new worlds and possibilities. However, the most treasured outcome of our efforts wasn't found in the pages of the books shared, but in the heartfelt thank-you notes penned by the students. Their words of gratitude, expressing how our small acts had touched their lives, became the most precious reward. These notes served as a powerful reminder of the impact that sharing knowledge and stories can have on young minds.

This experience laid the foundation for what Mom's Book Nook stands for today - a continuation of that same spirit of giving, learning, and connecting through the magic of books.

Since March, Mom’s Book Nook has donated over 4,600 books. They are hoping to reach 5,000 by the end of the year and double it next year. Some organizations that have benefited from the donations include Forty Carrots, SPARCC, JFCS, First 1000 Days, Early Learning Coalition, Girls Inc., Baby Fox Academy and the Sarasota Police Department.

“The gift of reading and love of books is one of the most valuable treasures we can provide our children,” says Michelle Kapreilian, CEO of Forty Carrots Family Center. “Thank you to Felicia for creating Mom’s Book Nook! Forty Carrots Family Center is proud to be a partner helping to share the joy of learning throughout our local community.”