Halloween Book Drive Ahead of VOTA Trick or Treat Event

BRADENTON — This Halloween, Manatee County businesses and organizations are joining forces in a county-wide initiative to promote literacy and community engagement. The drive aims to collect gently used and new books for children, which will be distributed for free on Halloween night alongside gluten/soy-free and traditional candy offerings by Alcover Massage.

Alcover Massage owner Laura Alcover is reaching out to area businesses and organizations that would be interested in hosting a book donation box. Participating locations are encouraged to display collection boxes during September, October, or both months. The event organizers will provide these decorated boxes, complete with a poster featuring details of the drive and a QR code for easy access to more information.

The collected books should be appropriate for children aged 13 and younger. Books in English and Spanish are preferred, but any language is accepted. Interested businesses and organizations that are willing to host a decorated book donation box should contact Laura Alcover at 407-690-0533 or email her at flahealers@gmail.com.

As part of the Halloween festivities, Alcover Massage will be hosting the 8th annual “1,000 Pieces of Candy” event on Thursday, October 31, from 6 PM to 8 PM at their offices located at 1302 12th Avenue West in Bradenton's Village of the Arts, in Bradenton. This family-friendly event, held during the Village of the Arts Community Trick-Or-Treat, traditionally features the distribution of over 1,000 pieces of candy. In addition to candy, children’s books will be given out, promoting the joy of reading among young trick-or-treaters.

“We believe Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for organizations to connect with local families and help parents learn about resources in their area,” said Alcover. “By adding books to the tradition of candy, we are not only celebrating the holiday but also encouraging a love of reading in our community youth.”