About Books for Collier Kids
An all-volunteer organization (no paid staff), Books for Collier Kids is nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing new, age-appropriate books to Collier County’s children in-need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books in the home.
As of 2026, we’ve distributed more than 2.2 million books to Collier kids…books to read, share and cherish for life!
In addition to the partners who help us distribute books, we’d also like to thank the following for contributing to our success:
- Bold Solutions, LLC
- Collier Community Foundation
- Davis & Associates, CPAs
- FineMark Bank & Trust
- First Book Marketplace
- First Horizon Bank
- Gulfcoast Transportation Systems
- Magink, LLC
- Minuteman Press
- Smith Media & Design
“Thank you for the books. I read the book. I sound out the words that I do not know. You are the best.
I love you. I love you ‘cause you gave us the books.”
~ Maria, pre-K student, Manatee Elementary School
Leadership
Board of Directors
- Soyla Rausch, Board Chair
- Sallie Williams, Immediate Past Board Chair
- Nora Kolmer, First Vice Chair
- Steven Feldman, Second Vice Chair
- Eric Cosentino, Treasurer
- Ray Kalich, Assistant Treasurer
- Deb Geller, EdD, Recording Secretary
- Chris Scheidemann, Corresponding Secretary
- Mary Polizzotto, PhD, Book Distribution Chair
Directors Emeriti
- Joseph Charles
- Marcie Charles, Esq.
- Donna Eskra
- Jinny Johnson
- Peggy Lavigne
- Sandy Parker
- Gail Rothenberg
- Debby Shaver
- Beth Thompson
- Jennifer B. Walker
- Emily Watt
- Joanne S. Wyss
Founding Chair
Advisory Council
- Susan Dalton
- Christine Flynn
- Patricia A. Jilk
- Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kircher
- Leslie Ricciardelli, Ed.D.
- Dick Stonesifer
- Anne Wamser
Honorary Emeritae
- Dottie Gerrity
- Mary Henrikson
Fact Sheet
Additional years are available upon request.
Books Nook