Free books F.I.L.L. hands, minds

12/2015/23 at 7:34

What started out as clearing her children’s bookshelves has turned into a book giveaway to improve literacy.

About six months ago, Jessica L. Degarmo weeded out books from her now-teenage children’s collections that they didn’t read anymore. She brought those books into her workplace, Freeway Insurance, at South Main and West Henry streets in Elmira.

“I like to keep books and toys here because when I’m dealing with the parents, the kids need something to keep them occupied,” Degarmo said.

She began letting children take books home, and Degarmo sorted through her own library to bring more to work. The F.I.L.L. collection includes old and new books of all genres, and literature for children and adults. To date, about 40 books have been given away.

Since the initial project was so well received, Degarmo officially began F.I.L.L. — Freeway Insurance Loves Literacy.

The program allows children and adults to take home one book each week free of charge during business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Just come on in and grab a book,” she said.

“We decided to launch a program because literacy is very important,” said Degarmo, who is also an author. “I’ve always felt strongly about it. I think it’s great for kids. It really opens their eyes to a whole new world.”

Soon, the library at Freeway Insurance began dwindling, so she put a cry out on Facebook for donations. She received about eight boxes from a gentlemen to restock the shelves. Donations to the F.I.L.L. project can be dropped off at the insurance agency.

Degarmo has always wanted to give back to her community, and F.I.L.L. allows her to do that.

“You’d be amazed at how many people in this town struggle with reading,” she said. “If we can do something that makes them excited about reading, then why not? It just makes things so much easier for them all throughout their lives.”

In addition to collecting gently used books, Degarmo is collecting new hats and gloves to give to the Samaritan Center. Degarmo said she will donate the items after Wednesday.