United Way of the CSRA and Local Partners Bolster "Book Bash 2026" to Combat Summer Slide with Book Collection Drive

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

United Way of the CSRA, in a powerful collaboration with The Hub for Community Innovation, RISE Augusta, and the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center, is proud to announce that they are now collecting books for their annual Book Bash. This community-wide initiative is dedicated to ensuring local students have consistent access to high-quality reading materials in their homes throughout the summer months.

Book Bash is free to the public and aims to distribute 1,500 book bags, with each participating child receiving approximately 5–6 books to build their personal home libraries. Recognizing that literacy is a lifelong journey, the event will provide books ranging in level from infant to high school senior, ensuring that no one in the community is too young or too old to participate.

Book Collections Are Happening Now!  

To make this massive distribution possible, United Way of the CSRA is calling on the community to start collecting books now. New and lightly used book donations are being accepted from March 23 through May 22, 2026.

Drop-Off Location: United Way of the CSRA, 1765 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30904.
Drop-Off Times: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

"Literacy is the foundation of all future success," said Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of United Way of the CSRA. "By partnering with organizations like RISE Augusta and the Harris Literacy Center, we are able to meet the diverse needs of our students and provide the tools necessary to keep their minds active during the summer break."

This initiative aligns with United Way of the CSRA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health, education, and well-being of our local residents.
For questions regarding donations or event details, please contact Shaquanna Wilson at [email protected]