The Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County (LVUC) is asking the community for help in finding a donated storage space to house thousands of books used for programming and fundraising.
LVUC Director Rachel Strawder said the organization recently lost access to a donated storage unit after the supporter who provided the space moved out of town. As a small nonprofit, LVUC cannot afford the monthly cost of a replacement unit.
“We were very fortunate to have our storage space donated, but when that person moved away, we lost it,” Strawder said. “We really cannot afford the $87 to $89 a month it would cost to pay for a storage unit.”
The organization currently has an estimated 5,000 books in storage. Strawder said the end of January marks the last month LVUC is able to pay for temporary storage, creating an urgent need for a new solution.
“We’re hoping someone in the community might have a space they’re not using,” she said. “It could be a garage, a building, or even part of a building. It doesn’t have to be a traditional storage unit.”
Strawder noted that donated space may qualify as a tax write-off, and monetary donations to help cover storage costs would also be appreciated.
The books play an important role in LVUC’s book sales, one of the organization’s main fundraising efforts. Strawder said a recent sale held in a more visible location was especially successful.
“Our last book sale went wonderfully,” she said. “Thanks to a donated space, people could see everything, and our sales almost tripled compared to previous events.”
LVUC is also accepting book donations. Strawder said arrangements can be made to pick up larger donations, particularly for individuals who are elderly or ill. In addition, the organization continues to seek both students and volunteer tutors.
Community members interested in donating space, books, funds, or time can contact the Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County at 304-266-1388 or 304-472-2343 for more information.
