GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A West Michigan couple has turned their passion for children's literacy into a thriving nonprofit that's making a significant impact in the community. In just one year, Steve and Nancy Devon have distributed over 2,000 books to children in Grand Rapids through their organization, “Giving Tree Books”.
The initiative began after Nancy Devon saw the need and learned a startling statistic: 60% of third graders in Michigan are not passing the reading portion of state assessments, which is closely tied to the lack of books in their homes. Motivated by this, the couple launched “Giving Tree Books” to provide high-quality children’s books free of charge to families in underserved areas.
“We started this just a year and a half ago,” Steve Devon said. “One of our key parts of our mission is to get a book into every child's hand.”
Devon is the author of “Tasha Goes to Puppy School” as well as co-author to “Milo Finds His Forever Friends” with wife and co-author Nancy Devon.
The nonprofit's efforts have already expanded, with more than 1,200 books distributed to schools this year. The Devons credit their success to partnerships with local organizations, including Meijer, “I Understand Love Heals”, and even the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team.
The couple's latest project is a chapter book titled “Milo Find His Forever Friends." The book tells the story of a dog learning to adapt to life in a rescue, offering lessons in friendship and compassion.
Looking ahead, the Devons are focused on their long-term goal: ensuring every child in West Michigan has access to books. They plan to work with DeVos Children’s Hospital on Nov. 23, participating in their “rough readers” event. They also are preparing for an event with the Grand Rapids Griffins in March of next year.
For more information on the organization or how you can contribute you can check out their website.