ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2025) – WUCF, Central Florida's PBS station, is once again teaming up with VyStar Credit Union for the annual PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive, collecting new and gently used books for our community's youngest learners.
The book drive runs Nov. 1–30 at VyStar branches and select bookstores across nine Central Florida counties. Families can find donation locations, book wish lists and event details at wucf.org/BookDrive.
This year's drive kicks off with a fun-filled Community Book Bash on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Orlando Family Stage.
The event will feature storytimes with local authors, a meet-and-greet with Clifford the Big Red Dog, children's crafts and activities, sensory friendly spaces and opportunities to donate books on-site. Plus, the first 50 people to donate books at the event will receive a voucher for a free scoop of ice cream from Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream.
"Our Preschool Book Drive is one of our favorite ways to connect our mission with community action," said Jennifer Cook, Executive Director of WUCF. "Last year, we broke every record we set, thanks to the generosity of Central Florida families. This year, with VyStar's continued partnership, we're aiming even higher."
In 2024, the initiative collected more than 5,000 books, benefitting Head Start programs and supporting early literacy for all members of our communities. WUCF and VyStar hope to exceed that total this year, rallying community support through new donation sites, online engagement and the excitement of an early kickoff celebration.
"VyStar Credit Union is proud to join WUCF in championing early literacy through the PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive," said Lysa Barbano, VyStar SVP/Florida Market President. "Within the pages of a book lies the power to ignite imagination, inspire learning and transform lives. By donating a book, we're not just sharing stories — we're building a legacy of literacy and opening doors to a brighter future for our youngest readers across Central Florida."
In addition to fostering a love a reading, the Preschool Book Drive also supports WUCF's America250 initiative, promoting civic engagement, kindness and access to educational resources ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.
How to Get Involved:
- RSVP for the free Community Book Bash at wucf.org/BookDrive
- Donate books at VyStar branches or select bookstores from Nov. 1–30. Suggested books and downloadable children's activities are at wucf.org/BookDrive.
- Give online at donate.wucf.org/wucf/vystar
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About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
About VyStar Credit Union: VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
WUCF Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199
