Stapleton Goddard School owner Lance Shimomura (far right) and Goddard teachers present $1,711 to High Tech Elementary School.

Fundraising, donating gently used books, and providing new books and toys was the focus of three charitable projects undertaken by the Goddard Schools in Stapleton and across the Front Range, says Lance Shimomura, Stapleton Goddard School owner.

A donation of 13,067 gently used books was given to Reach Out and Read Colorado, a charitable organization that distributes books to health care provider partners and clinics around the state. By “prescribing” books to low-income patients and their families, children are given a foundation for success by improving literacy skills.

Over 1,000 new Teddy Bears and 2,024 new books were donated to Children’s Hospital Colorado through fundraising and a book drive. Books were purchased at Scholastic Book Fair events held at Denver Goddard School locations. The Stapleton Goddard School also raised an additional $1,711 to donate to Denver’s High Tech Elementary School, with the monetary donation designated to purchase books and classroom supplies.