Brian Burton, CPI Executive Director presenting the check to Joplin Schools

CPI Sales Representatives with members of the Joplin School District

Representatives from Gumdrop Books^TM, a division of Central Programs, Inc (CPI), recently presented four $2,000 checks plus a variety of teaching supplies to Joplin Schools to help replenish each of the four libraries that were damaged or destroyed in the May 22 tornado. In addition to the donation, the staff at Gumdrop Books^TM worked individually with each librarian to fill specific needs within the library such as non-fiction books at a variety of reading levels.

“We’re just a small part of the overwhelming generosity and support from the people of Missouri and the entire country,” notes Brian Burton, CPI Executive Director. “We realize that no amount of money will ever make up for the events of May 22, 2011, but we hope this investment in building literacy skills in the students of Joplin will strengthen this community long after the rebuilding is complete.”

Joplin Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Angie Besendorfer said “We are very thankful for the donation to help fill our library shelves. We especially appreciate that the staff of Gumdrop Books^TM took the extra time to listen to our librarians and work with them to target specific areas of need. Our students will benefit for years to come from this contribution."

Gumdrop Books^TM, located in Bethany, Missouri, is a major distributor of library books throughout more than 60 countries. The donation was made on behalf of the Fitzgerald family, owners of Gumdrop Books^TM.