In support of our annual Children’s Book Drive, we worked with photographer Jessica Montgomery of Stay Fresh design studio in Syracuse to create “Inspired By A Book” — a photo series re-creating some of our favorite children’s books.

Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day” featuring Syracuse City School District student Malachi

“Clifford’s Good Deeds” from Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog series of children’s books featuring Olive and Salvatore Lincoln, students in the Fayetteville Manlius School District, and their father Tommy Lincoln, owner of Stay Fresh. Also, our four legged friend Copper, an adoptable pup from Helping Hounds.

“Where The Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, featuring Shauna Mae Diliberto and her son Bowie (a Syracuse City School District student), Matt Read, Jacquie Kelly Kaden, Jeremy Dechario.

The 1968 classic children’s book “Corduroy” written and illustrated by Don Freeman, featuring Louie Lincoln.

Dolly Parton’s “I Am A Rainbow” featuring Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, United Way campaign co-chair Evelyn Ingram (Wegmans), United Way campaign co-chair Ryan Benz (Oh My Darling, ReDev CNY), Artist Jaleel Campbell, “Syracuse Socialite” Ana Richardson, Musician Jess Novak, and Tommy Lincoln.

This holiday, inspire a child with the gift of a new book. United Way of Central New York annually collects and distributes more than 6,000 new children’s books to families in need, at the Christmas Bureau event. Shop and donate through this Sunday December 15 at Golden Bee Bookshop, Parthenon Bookstore, and That’s What She Read. Or purchase and ship to United Way from our Amazon wish list. Learn more at CNYBookDrive.com

Did you know United Way of Central New York supports literacy efforts year round? We support the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, and with the county’s help deliver 15k new books to children ages birth to five every month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Also, our Book Buddies program with the Syracuse City School District connects 500+ volunteers to students in six schools to help improve literacy. Want to get more involved and make a difference? Find your way with United Way.