In support of UMOM Day Centers, a leading provider of emergency shelter, supportive services, and housing programs for families experiencing homelessness, Tempe-based marketing and consulting agency, Highnoon, is currently hosting a book drive to help the children served by UMOM.

Launched at the beginning of June, the book drive is accepting new and gently used books, culminating in a delivery event to UMOM, as allowed by CDC guidance. UMOM is requesting that donors seek out books for children and teenagers that inspire through hope and representation and have POC protagonists with uplifting messages or a positive ending. Currently the drive has gathered more than 400 books with sites set on reaching 500 or more.

"Book donations are always welcome and needed here," said UMOM New Day Centers CEO, Jackson Fonder. "Some of the children staying at our family emergency shelter are avid readers and the books are incredibly popular. Homelessness is a tough experience for families – especially kids – and reading is a positive and educational diversion for them."

Highnoon will collect all books at their Tempe headquarters, package them and deliver them directly to UMOM's team. In addition to contributing preowned books, donors are welcome to select new books from UMOM's wishlist or Amazon's top selling children's book list and send to Highnoon as well.

"At Highnoon, giving back to the community is a guiding pillar of our company. We encourage involvement in the community both during, and outside of, work hours," says Scott Kaufmann, Managing Partner at Highnoon. "So, what better way to give back than to partner with UMOM and inspire the local youth through the power of books?"

If you are interested in donating or would like to schedule a drop-off, please visit https://highnoon.co/volunteer/umom-book-drive.