Operation Paperback began in 1999, sending its first shipments to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. We have since shipped 2.9 million books to over 30 locations overseas.
We have 19,000+ volunteers from all 50 states. These individual citizens, American families and community groups form a network of shippers that send around 15,000 books per month.
Over the years, we have earned commendations from the President of the United States, the governor of Maryland, the mayor of Baltimore, and the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. We have also been featured on television and in print media. While we value the praise we have received at home, the words that mean the most to us are those that come directly from those we serve. They let us know that our efforts are appreciated every day.
Operation Paperback is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania. Donations to our organization are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. We are happy to provide receipts for any donations received.
In 1999, Chief Master Sergeant Rick Honeywell was deployed to a four-month stint in Kuwait. To his dismay, he found himself on a base that had no recreation facilities – no movies, no library, no gymnasium.
Chief Honeywell's wife, Chrissy, and other Air Force spouses responded by sending the squadron a gigantic care package of candy, games and books. Chrissy's father, Dan Bowers, became inspired by the situation. He selected paperback books from his own shelves to send overseas. Then he turned to others for contributions. Soon he had collected cases of books and shipped them all to Rick in Kuwait. "Before anyone realized it," recalls Chrissy, "There were 500 books over in Kuwait, and Rick's squadron was building bookshelves." Operation Paperback was born.
Operation Paperback is a national organization with a Board of Directors and staff that reside across the United States. All are unpaid volunteers and believe deeply in the mission of our organization.
