NEWS RELEASES > AUGUST 27, 2024
MCHENRY, Aug. 27, 2024 — For Chicagoland elementary school students, the start of a new school year also came with something else: A brand-new backpack, chockful of supplies, courtesy of Communities That Care (CTC) via donations from McHenry’s Follett Content. CTC is a Lake-Zurich based non-profit organization provides key resources to children in need of assistance.
Follett Content annually holds its backpack drive with donations that come from team members. The 2024 campaign generated more than $1,000, which in turn was donated to CTC, along with more than 60 backpacks filled with supplies. CTC used both the monetary and physical donations to provide to four Chicagoland classrooms in need.
The backpacks sported trendy designs for all interests, while the new supplies featured crayons, markers, glue sticks, rulers, erasers, pencil pouches and more.
Diane Larrabee, longtime director of Communities That Care, applauded Follett Content for providing backpacks and school supplies to students in need through her organization’s back-to-school program.
“The heartfelt generosity is making a difference to children who, more than ever, need to feel the love and benevolence of those who care and support them,” Larrabee said. “The kindness attached to every backpack means the world to these children who aspire to overcome their circumstances and make their dreams come true. We appreciate those Follett Content team members who are supporting the educational needs of the children in our community and giving them the gift of education.”
In addition to the backpack drive, Follett Content also made a separate $705 donation to CTC. This donation was made possible by proceeds from sales at Edythe’s Book Nook, the Follett Content employee bookstore. For 2024, donations to McHenry County non-profit organizations from Edythe’s Book Nook has totaled nearly $3,500. Since its inception in 2022, the total donated is closing in on $19,000.
About Communities That Care | ctc4kids.org
The mission of Communities That Care (CTC) is to provide resources such as clothes, toys, gifts, school supplies and other necessities to underprivileged, disadvantaged or homeless children in need of assistance with their most basic needs and their most desired wishes. CTC is dedicated to serving needy children in underprivileged communities by providing resources that financially challenged families cannot afford on their own. It strives to provide relief for struggling families in financial crisis and lessen the burden of poverty that children in difficult circumstances bear day to day. Through the support of a generous and giving community, CTC brings hope and encouragement to children who need to believe in a community that cares.
About Edythe’s Book Nook
Edythe’s Book Nook, the Follett Content employee bookstore, is named in honor of Edythe Benepe, who was a journalist for a Chicago newspaper when in 1901 she met and later married C.W. Follett, founder of Follett Corporation. The couple had four sons, all the while Edythe worked full time running one of the Follett bookstores. Edythe is the great-great-grandmother to Britten Follett, CEO, Follett Content. Opened in November 2022, the purpose of the employee bookstore is to not only offer books to team members at discounted prices, but to use the proceeds from sales to support the local community.
Follett Content Celebrates 25 Years as an ALA Library Champion at ALA Annual 2026
June 10, 2026
McHenry, Ill., June 10, 2026 – Follett Content, a trusted partner to public and school libraries nationwide, today announced its participation in the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, taking place June 25-29, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year marks...
Read more
Follett Content Strengthens Adult Offerings for Public Libraries, Launches New Street Date Program
April 30, 2026
Follett Content, a longtime partner to libraries nationwide, today announced a deepened commitment to public library collections by expanding its adult print catalog and launching the Follett Street Date Program to help libraries to deliver high-demand titles to patrons on...
Read more
Follett Celebrates Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week with Literacy Space Giveaway
April 28, 2026
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Follett Content is recognizing educators by supporting the literacy spaces where students read, explore, and learn every day. The initiative addresses common challenges educators face, including limited time and budget to refresh classroom and library environments.
Read more
United Way Rock River Valley and Follett Content Partner to Donate 2,000 Books to Rockford Students
April 2, 2026
United Way Rock River Valley and Follett Content are proud to partner on placing 2,000 new books directly into the hands of Rockford Public School students. Follett Content's donation fulfills the entire goal of United Way's Books for Brighter Futures...
Read more
2026 Approved & Ready: NYC Library Solutions
March 23, 2026
New York City, NY., Mar. 23, 20206 – Follett Content is an approved vendor for New York City (NYC) school libraries, enabling NYC educators to confidently place library material orders through a trusted, established partner. Through this contract, Follett Content...
Read more
Follett Content Accelerates Public Library Strategy
February 19, 2026
McHenry, Ill., Feb. 19, 2026 – Building on its September 2025 introduction into the public library market, Follett Content today announced a significant next step in its growth strategy: the addition of widely respected library-market veterans and a series of new technology...
Read more