With all the press we’ve been getting lately (an article in The Dominion Post, a radio interview with WV Public Broadcasting, and a local news story scheduled to air this evening on WDTV Channel 5 at 6 and 11), I thought it might be a good idea to welcome those who are visiting our site thanks to one of those pieces and to tell them how they can help out if they feel so inclined! I also invite you to join our listserv to help stay updated on our happenings. Send a message to appalachianpbp@gmail.com if you would like to be added. We try to stay on top of our email, but don’t worry if you don’t hear back for a few days–we are definitely happy to hear from you and will get on the list as soon as possible!
In the meantime, here are a couple of our immediate and/or continual needs:
1) We need volunteers in the Morgantown area to help us pack books. We receive literally dozens of letters each week, and it takes a lot of wo/man power to get all those requests filled and ready to send! Before you start packing, you will need a tutorial to learn the ropes of the process. Send an email to appalachianpbp@gmail.com if you would like to schedule a tutorial at our location in downtown Morgantown.
2) We need dictionaries! Dictionaries must be paperback, as most prisons will not allow hardback books for their inmates. So many prisoners are asking for dictionaries, we constantly run out, so if you have one or more to spare, it would be much appreciated!
3) We need ideas for fundraising. As an organization that runs entirely on the work of volunteers and a very small budget, we are always looking for ways to raise money. Monetary donations are, of course, also accepted, appreciated, and put to good use. 🙂
4) Any other ways you can imagine helping the project, let us know. We are always open to new and fresh ideas!
Thanks for your interest in the project!