Barnes & Noble in Gulfport will collect donated books at checkout beginning Nov. 1, 2026, through Dec. 14, 2026, to benefit Elijah’s Closet, a nonprofit serving children in foster care and those at risk, WXXV reported.
WXXV quoted Elijah’s Closet President Nikki Williams saying the timing near Christmas gives struggling families the chance to collect books to wrap as gifts and that, depending on donations, the group may hold an open house so families can pick up donations.
Williams told WXXV, “We believe that reading is very important for our children. It is very, very important.” She also said she is “going through it right now with teaching her” five-year-old daughter to read, WXXV reported.
According to WXXV, customers can purchase one or more books at checkout to be donated; organizers said the number of families they will be able to help will depend on community donations.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
