Indie band Pomplamoose (Nataly Dawn left and Jack Conte right) created the Richmond Book Drive program to benefit the struggling school district in Richmond, CA.

Indie band Pomplamoose, is so passionate about literacy that they’ve created the Richmond Book Drive program and are offering everyone who donates a book to the struggling school district in Richmond, CA a free copy of their new Christmas album. Pomplamoose, made up of Nataly Dawn and boyfriend Jack Conte, have developed quite a fan following on YouTube, and have recently gained more visibility with their quirky Hyundai commercial that has been rocking the airwaves this holiday season. The Christmas album is not for sale, and can only be obtained through the purchase and donation of books on the Richmond wish list via Amazon. According to the Richmond Book Drive website their mission is “to put compelling, relevant books into the hands of young people throughout the City of Richmond, California. We aim to provide students — be they reluctant or voracious readers — with books that they will love, books that will turn them into lifelong readers and learners. In the process, we hope to spread the message that all students are worthy of investment, that none are beyond repair, and that ours is a city full of curiosity and hope.”

The website also explains that the book drive concept came out of a discussion between Dawn, Conte and Richmond English teacher Tyler Hester about the hardworking students in the district and their need for quality literature. “When Jack and Nataly asked how they could support his work, Tyler said that one idea would be to flood his school and the surrounding schools with outstanding young adult novels. Jack and Nataly immediately offered to help, and the idea for a book drive was formed.”

The books are reasonably priced between $5 – $15 dollars, and making a donation is a great opportunity to embody the spirit of giving this holiday season. Giving the gift of reading and instilling a love of books will not only help children succeed academically, but also help them succeed throughout their lives.