Book Train Collaborative Project

The Book Train is a collaborative effort that promotes literacy and a love of reading by providing new and gently used books to children, regardless of economic, geographic, or social barriers. In 2024–2025, we delivered 5,400+ books to children, spreading the joy of reading.

How It Works

The Jenkintown Kiwanis Club, together with Abington, Cheltenham, and Wissahickon High School Key Clubs and the Abington Junior High Builders Club, partner with schools and community groups to gather books through collection drives and book fairs. These books are then passed along to Mitzvah Circle, who delivers boxes of books to families, carefully selecting titles based on each child’s age and reading level.

If you have or know someone who can donate new or gently used books for kids ages 0-10, contact Janet Crawford via email at [email protected].  Pickup can be arranged. Infant or small children’s board books are especially welcomed. 

Riding The Book Train: opening imaginations, one book at a time.

Mitzvah Circle‘s mission is to fill resource gaps and provide items not covered by government assistance.  After learning what families need to move ahead, Mitzvah Circle Foundation delivers and distributes  new and gently used books, clothing, shoes, diapers, period supplies, household goods, toiletries and more.