PODS Lexington transforms storage container into book depository for "Once Upon a Story" book drive

March 21, 2013 - PRLog -- (LEXINGTON, Ky.) - In an effort to instill a love of reading and provide access to books for all children, PODS Lexington, a moving and storage company, has stepped up to assist Leadership Lexington with their upcoming “Once Upon a Story” children’s book festival through book donations drives on March 29 – 30.

PODS Lexington has donated the use of their safe and secure PODS® container in preparation for the children’s literacy event and is asking for the public’s help to fill the container with new or gently used books to be distributed to local children.

On Friday, March 29, from 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., volunteers will collect children’s book donations at the PODS® container in the Lexington Walmart store parking lot, located at 4051 Nicholasville Road. Children will have the opportunity to select a book of their choice and read in a transformed “mini-library” PODS® container during the “Once Upon a Story” event, which takes place Saturday, April 20, at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, located at 207 Legends Lane, from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.

“We want to fill our PODS® container with tons of community book donations so that every child receives a book at the event on April 20,” said Ken Kocon, co-owner of PODS Lexington. “Our company is proud to help promote childhood literacy so that they are successful for their futures.”

“Once Upon a Story” was created by Leadership Lexington, a leadership development program sponsored by Commerce Lexington. In addition to the community book drive, the free, family-friendly event will feature live music, storybook performances, celebrity readers, door prizes and personalized books for every child age 12 and under. According to the Reading Foundation research has shown that children who read a book for 20 minutes a day perform better in school and life, encourages listening and language skills, promotes attention and curiosity, and strengthens relationships.

“When there are local freshmen entering high school with only a third grade reading level, it is clear to our team that connecting children to books in our community is paramount,” said Diane Owens, chairperson for “Once Upon a Story” and Leadership Lexington program member. “What better way to show our kids that reading brings lifelong enjoyment than a fun day at the ballpark with free books donated by our community? We thank PODS Lexington for their generous support of collecting donations and encouraging our children to read.”

Supporters can also purchase a tax-deductible book donation by going to www.amazon.com, clicking on “Wish List” in the upper right hand corner and typing in “Once Upon a Story” in the search box.

About PODS Lexington

Opened in 2004, PODS of Lexington is the leading provider of moving and storage services to individuals and business in the Lexington Bluegrass region of Kentucky.

Owners, David and Ken Kocon, have over 35 years of combined business experience. PODS of Lexington is a leading corporate citizen and the Kocons support their local community with donations of PODS® containers to charitable organizations and community events throughout the year.

Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 250 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and the UK, through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 400,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 2.0 million deliveries and has over 145,000 PODS® containers in service.