Let’s Get Giving … and Reading!
Gaithersburg Book Festival Partners with Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa for Children’s Book Drive
While you’re out doing your holiday shopping this year, make sure you pick up a little something extra to support children and families in need in the community.
For the first time, the Gaithersburg Book Festival is teaming up with the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in the Kentlands during the holiday season to conduct a children’s book drive.
“Our mission is to promote reading and literacy and foster a generation of young readers,” said Jud Ashman, Festival chair and mayor of the City of Gaithersburg. “There’s no better way to do that than to get good books into the hands of kids.”
Participation is easy. Just bring a new children’s book to the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in the Kentlands between now and January 1, 2015. Hand and Stone will deliver the books to the Gaithersburg Book Festival committee, which is working with the City of Gaithersburg Holiday Giving program and Stephanie Brant, principal at Gaithersburg Elementary School, to ensure the books get distributed to Gaithersburg community families in need.
“Learning to read is key to the development of our future leaders,” said Kay Hechler, owner, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. “It’s the core of a solid education and a great imagination and is terrific, simple fun.”
Everyone who donates a book will receive a coupon from Kentlands Hand and Stone for free aromatherapy on a massage or $10 off an Exceptional Facial and will be eligible to win a free massage or facial.
To get the drive rolling, Kentlands Hand and Stone will donate 20 copies of the book “Sisters” by Raina Telgemeier, who appeared at the 2014 festival.
- Donation Location: Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 217 Kentlands Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (between Giant Food and Kmart)
- Tel: 301-527-8663
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Requested Books: Gaithersburg Elementary School Media Specialist recommends the following titles as those of particular interest to local students: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Dork Diaries series, Fly Guy series, Pete the Cat series, and any books about soccer. In addition, the following authors are popular with students: Ben Hatke, Victoria Kann, Jon Scieszka, Dr. Seuss, Raina Telgemeier, Melanie Watt and Mo Willems.
About the Gaithersburg Book Festival
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual all-day celebration of books, writers and literary excellence. Now in its sixth year, the Festival has become one of the premier literary events in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The 2015 Festival will be on Saturday, May 16, on the grounds of Gaithersburg City Hall, in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, Md. Festival admission is free and activities include author appearances, discussions and book signings; writing workshops; a Children’s Village; onsite sales of new and used books; literary exhibitors and food, drink, ice cream and more.
About the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa was founded in 2004 by John Marco, a physical therapist and visionary entrepreneur committed to offering quality and affordable massage and skin care services throughout growing number of Hand and Stone spas in the United States and Canada. The Kentlands Hand and Stone opened in September 2014 and is owned and operated by Kay Hechler and her husband John Phillips. Prior to opening the Kentlands Hand and Stone, Ms. Hechler worked in the publishing industry, beginning her career in children’s book publishing and working for more than two decades at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) where she managed the business, sales, and marketing operations of USIP Press. She was the 2013-2014 president of Washington Publishers and currently sits on its Advisory Board.
About the Gaithersburg Holiday Giving Program
Each year, thanks to the generosity of many individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups, more than 1,000 households in the City of Gaithersburg are provided with food baskets and meals at Thanksgiving and gifts for children in December. Households are referred by school counselors and nonprofit organizations, and Gaithersburg’s initiative is coordinated with other municipalities throughout Montgomery County to reduce duplication and ensure maximum effectiveness. Monetary donations, K-mart gift cards, and donations of meals and new toys are sought. For more information please visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov or contact the City of Gaithersburg Community Services Division at 301-258-6395 x2.