Lots of folks ask us how they can make something as fun, unique and super cool as getting books into kids trick-or-treat bags happen. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions people have. Feel free to send us a note through our Contact page if you need more info that we don’t chat about on this page.
Q: Why give kids books instead of candy on Halloween? Isn’t that breaking a sweet tradition?
A: Giving away books at Halloween is a perfect match. The spooky season is full of creativity and scary storytelling. Why not make it even more fun with a dose of BRAINS in the form of something to read when kids are all finished trick-or-treating? It’s a new twist on the old tradition, helping curb childhood obesity and giving kids a reason to tell amazing stories of their own.
Q: Books are expensive. How can I afford to do this?
A: Actually, it’s super easy to score inexpensive books and you can often give away books for the same price as the candy you give away at your door each year. We have LOTS of great ways for you to find gently used books on our Where To Get Books page.
Q: Won’t kids think books are cheesy and we’ll become the hated neighbors?
A: Our experience is that kids totally love getting books – even kids who aren’t big readers. They are much more excited about books than candy and we have seen a ton of children running down the sidewalk after receiving this cool treasure shouting “Look! I got a book!” Worried about older kids? Why not give away old comics or magazines?
Q: What will parents think?
A: Parents are usually very excited about kids getting a book instead of candy. With the huge amounts of sugary treats that kids are guaranteed to get, having something special and unique in there gives people that warm, fuzzy, feel-good moment.
Q: How will kids be able to carry around all of those books?
A: Most kids treat bags will be no heavier than their school book bags. If a neighborhood has lots of Books For Treats Canada homes or your kids are wee, parents can help carry treats or you can have alternatives like a wagon. We are totally hoping that wagons are piled high with great books this Halloween.
Q: How will kids and families know that individual households are participating in Books For Treats Canada?
A: You can register your giveaway here (use only your street name for your personal security). Also, we’ve included signs you can post in your window or yard to let kids and families know.
Q: What if folks don’t understand what Books For Treats Canada is?
A: We also give you pre-designed bookmarks to stick in the books that give people a ton of info about the program.
Q: Why are we only giving books out to kids through grade 6?
A: Most trick-or-treaters are kids under the age of 12.
Q: I get groups of trick-or-treaters at one time. How can they all go through the books at once?
A: Kids know how to work it out. But, we also recommend that you give kids lots of room and spread your book boxes out on your porch.
Q: Where I am supposed to set this up? I usually just open the door and throw some candy into the bags of kids.
A: You can set up a few tables, set out the books on your porch or come up with other creative ways to set the books out. It’s fun.
Q: I don’t know how many kids I’ll get. Some years, we have tons. Some years we only have a few. How do I know how many books to get? What if I run out?
A: It’s always good to gather more books than you think you’ll need. If you run out, you can always have a back-up to give away.
Q: What if I have leftover books?
A: There are a lots of things you can do with them. But here are our recommendations:
1. Save them for next year.
2. Give them to a child you love.
3. Donate them to a local school, library, service organization or church.
Q: How can I get more involved in Books For Treats Canada?
A: We’ve got so many ways for you to lend a hand. How about:
1. Spreading the word
2. Setting up a community giveaway
3. Get your not-for-profit organization involved as a National Partner. Download our Partnership Information Sheet HERE. (downloads automatically when you click)
4. Lend your talents to the team. We are always in need of smart, talented, excited team members.
3. Get your company to sponsor Books For Treats Canada and our work to get books into the trick-or-treat bags of every child. Download our Sponsorship Package HERE (downloads automatically when you click).
4. Make your own donation to Books For Treats Canada. Robin has all the details.
Contact Robin at [email protected]! We’d love to have you a part of this fun, inspiring movement.
