September 20, 2017

The climate’s not the only thing getting hot around here

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The folks behind the wildly popular Hot Dudes Reading Instagram (turned book) are setting out to prove they’re more than just a pretty face. In the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma—which damaged schools, libraries, and bookstores, along with much other crucial infrastructure—Hot Dudes Reading are attempting to mobilize their 950,000 followers to help the cause of reconstruction.

To do so, the brand has joined forces with First Booka DC-based non-profit that provides books and other learning materials to children in need. Together, they’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign, noting that “a new book for a child in these situations offers much more than a new learning opportunity: these books mean stories at bedtime, chances to dream about faraway places, and moments of comfort and normalcy during an otherwise challenging time.”

The campaign’s goal is a humble $5,500, with 100% of the proceeds going to shipping and distribution costs for the 10,000 books that Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, and other publishers in the trenches with First Book will incur. Not only will that small sum get the job done, your own tiny contribution can go a very long way: for $10 you can arm eighteen kids with books that might brighten someone’s day at a temporary shelter, or help re-stock a damaged library. Remember, there is no frigate like a book.

 

 

Ryan Harrington is a senior editor at Melville House.

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