(Phoenix, Arizona) The VNSA announces the total amount of money raised from the 57th Annual Used Book Sale held on February 16 & 17, 2013 was approximately $390,000. The VNSA is an all-volunteer organization. The entire proceeds of the Book Sale are donated to Valley human service agencies each year.

Teri Harnisch, VNSA President said, "While shoppers come from all over the country and the nation, VNSA offers a special thanks to the loyal donors and shoppers from our community for their support. Over 13,000 shoppers attended our two-day sale, and all of the donations come from our local community and start anew each year. Since 1957 (which was a used book sale held in the parking lot at Park Central and raised $900), the community has made it possible for VNSA to raise over $6.5 million to benefit nonprofit agencies in need right here in Maricopa County."

The two charities that will benefit from this sale are:

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF), an organization to promote the self-esteem, and enrich the lives of Arizonas children. AFFCF funds activities, education and other opportunities that provide the children with quality experiences while they live in difficult circumstances. Arizona currently has approximately 14,000 children in foster care.

Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County (LVMC) teaches individuals age 16 and older to read, speak English or prepare for their General Educational Diploma (GED). The LVMC has Family Literacy programs, Workplace Education programs, operates two learning centers in Phoenix, and offers one to one tutoring countywide. Currently, the population of Maricopa County is 2.8 million people. Estimates are that there are more than 500,000 adults in Maricopa County who are functionally illiterate.

The VNSA Used Book Sale is made possible by donations from the community collected year-round by its volunteers. For more information on how you can donate books and book-related items, please visit www.vnsabooksale.org. Donations may conveniently be made to VNSA drop boxes located throughout the Valley (more information regarding the same is provided on the VNSA website). In addition, home or office pick-up is available by completing an online request from the VNSA website or by calling VNSA at 602-265-6805. To ensure your donation is being given to VNSA, please note VNSA drop boxes all have signage featuring the VNSA owl, drawn by local artist Bil Keane.   back...