L.I.V.E. OUTREACH

Book Donations

Four L.I.V.E. Outreach team members in butterfly logo shirts smiling behind a table of children's books at an outdoor community event

What It Is

The "L" in L.I.V.E. stands for Learn. A lot of kids in Detroit do not have books at home. Some have never owned one. This program collects and gives away books to kids of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for teens to college prep guides for high schoolers.

We distribute through schools, community centers, group homes, and transitional living programs. We try to match books to the kid, not just hand out whatever we have.

Why It Matters

Research is clear that access to books at home is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. For kids in foster care or unstable living situations, personal belongings of any kind can be rare. Owning a book is a small thing that means a lot.

Malika Williams, who holds degrees from Macomb Community College and Ferris State University, built this program around the idea that learning happens everywhere, not just in classrooms. Books give kids something to come back to on their own time.

How to Help

  • Donate books: New or gently used, in good condition, for any age and reading level.
  • Give financially: Donate online so we can purchase high-demand titles.
  • Volunteer: Help sort books by age group and hand them out at community events.
  • Buy the founder's book: "I'm just trying to L.I.V.E." by Malika Williams is available on Amazon. Proceeds support our programs.