A Season of Generosity: A Shared Commitment to Literacy and Hope

Shortly before Thanksgiving 2025, the 100 Families Initiative of Craighead County experienced a powerful reminder of what collaboration can make possible. In a generous act of partnership, Josh and Dusti Kesler of Crowley's Ridge Development Council donated 2,000 children’s books to support families connected to the initiative and children across the broader community.

The delivery itself reflected the spirit of the season. Over the course of three early mornings, Josh quietly delivered boxes of books—earning comparisons to Santa Claus—ensuring the surprise remained intact until the full scope of the gift could be shared. What followed was a coordinated effort among community partners to ensure the books reached children and families in time for Christmas.

The books are being distributed in multiple ways. Families enrolling in the 100 Families Initiative at CRDC are receiving books during intake, reinforcing the importance of literacy and learning from the very beginning of their journey toward stability. Additional books have been shared with Alliance members across the region, empowering trusted local organizations to place them directly into the hands of children who need them most. Several partner agencies are also adding the books to their Children’s Libraries, creating lasting resources that will serve families well beyond the holiday season.

The collection itself reflects care and intentionality. The donated books are diverse, educational, and developmentally appropriate, with some titles recognized by prestigious honors such as the Caldecott Medal for illustration. In addition to serving children, select books will also be used as educational tools for adult learners, extending their impact across generations.

To date, partner organizations receiving books include Together We Foster; the Northeast Arkansas Regional Recovery Center (NEARRC); the 100 Families Initiatives of Mississippi County and Greene County; El Centro Hispano; Bay United Methodist Church; Friends of the Library at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library; the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library; and the Literacy League of Craighead County.

This effort exemplifies the heart of the 100 Families Initiative: neighbors working together across sectors to meet immediate needs while building long-term stability and opportunity. As the year draws to a close, the distribution is still ongoing—a testament to both the scale of the gift and the strength of the collaboration behind it.

In a season often defined by generosity, this shared commitment to literacy stands as a symbol of hope—one that will continue to open doors for children, families, and learners throughout Craighead County well into the new year.