TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Many communities across the Big Bend are still picking up the pieces more than three months after Hurricane Michael touched down on Florida's Panhandle.
WTXL ABC 27's Blake Levine shows us how one local bookstore is trying to help replenish what was lost.
About a week ago, Midtown Reader in Tallahassee teamed up with Sachs Media Group, United Way of the Big Bend and Rebuild 850 to collect as many books as they can to give to schools whose libraries were destroyed by Hurricane Michael.
Until January 31st, people can go to Midtown reader and buy a book to be donated.
For every book sold, another book of equal price will be donated by the Sachs Media Group.
The books will then be delivered by the United Way of the Big Bend to the schools.
The owner of Midtown Reader, Sally Bradshaw, says the store wanted to do this because reading connects people.
"We are all a big reading family and we care deeply about their kids as they would care about ours," Bradshaw said.
As of Sunday, Midtwon readers has collected more than 50 books.
One of the books was purchased by Lynn Cox, who is a pre-school teacher.
"I just think reading to children is very important and the one I choose one that is very helpful when children are going to school for the first time," Cox said.
Books provide more than just education for kids and young adults. Bradshw says they allow people to escape during lifes challenges.
"Books can tell you who you can be when you grow up," Bradshaw said. "Books can tell you amazing stories and connect you to the world around you."
Lynn Cox said that "We can go around the world in books. We dont' have to phyiscally do it."
Bradshaw hopes Midtown reader can collect plenty of books by the 31st to help raise morale in the Pandhandle.