Ken Mitchell, a father of three and an Installation and Service Supervisor at Comcast, isn’t just passionate about instilling a love of reading in his own children. He also wants to ensure other kids in his community get the chance to experience the joy of books.
As an event leader in Comcast’s Black Employee Network (BEN), an Employee Resource Group dedicated to empowering employees of color, Ken was able to turn that passion into action and develop a community event with the help of his colleagues.
The BEN members mobilized a book drive to benefit Tree House Books, a nonprofit that runs a giving library and literacy center in North Philadelphia. The organization’s goal is to ensure every child has access to books and has every opportunity to fulfill their dreams and explore their passion.
“I remember from an interview I saw on the news that Tree House was a giving library, and they always need donations,” said Ken. “Tree House is located in a predominantly African American community and supports five schools – all within walking distance of each other.”
Ken rallied the entire BEN membership and donation boxes were soon set up across the region. Books started pouring in.
“The support was heartwarming,” said Ken. “It was amazing to see everyone get behind the cause and put their all into it.”
As a result of the drive, Ken and members of BEN delivered more than 2,000 books to Tree House Books’ North Philadelphia location, helping to restock their giving library. The books will go directly to children in the community to help continue their literacy and learning journeys during the summer school break.
“Reading is so important,” said Ken. “It’s the link to comprehension, and it could be just the right spark for someone to be inspired!”
