BoomerGirl Diary

“They swarm the books like candy and help carry the boxes from the car.”

That’s what happens to Dallas Woodburn when she delivers books to the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs in her hometown of Ventura, Calif. I was stunned; you would think that only electronic gadgets would get kids excited. I had to know what she did and share it with my Boomer buddies.

She starts by being absolutely passionate about reading and writing. “When I was growing up, as a reward, my parents let me check out a book or buy one.” She explained. [Smart parents.]

That inspired her to write her first book when she was 10, which lead to a “speaking engagements” at her school and then to starting a series of writing contests and book giveaways. Since 2000, her Write On project has given away 7,390 books by managing the donations from 12 schools, three businesses and five local social clubs.

"It was important that the books weren't tattered," Dallas emphasized. "Worn books sent a message I didn't want to send. I wanted the kids to feel good about their books and themselves. There is something about having a new book to mark up and 'own' that gives you a different sense of security or ownership."

Write On has become a holiday project funded by grants and grit. Dallas puts out fliers and boxes in schools during October and has expanded to include area businesses, the post office, clubs and even her college. By putting her phone and email information on the box she doesn’t have to check them. When they are full, she gets a call to pick them up. That saves time and lets her focus on her college studies. All advertising is done via word of mouth.

Once she has the books, they go into her distribution warehouse (her family's garage) and from there they get packaged and distributed to local Boys' and Girls' clubs. ”It’s one of my favorite things to drop them off at the centers," she says.

Dallas is starting the kids off like her parents started her. Today at 18, she’s a “Trustee Scholar” at the University of Southern California who also has written two books and has articles featured in Family Circle, Writer's Digest, books such as "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV," "Chicken Soup for the Girl's Soul," "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Real Deal" series, "So, You Wanna Be a Writer?," "and Good Friends Come Along Once in a Lifetime."

In a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with what you could do to leave a lasting impression, think about the difference you could make in one kid by giving them a book or helping them learn to read. When kids learn the joy of reading and writing not only have you given them a brighter future, but you’re also giving the world a more thoughtful and self-actuating citizen - citizens like Dallas.

To learn more about Dallas and the Write On program, go to www.zest.net/writeon.