Cherry Hill Nonprofit That Fights Illiteracy Recognized Statewide

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The Cherry Hill man who founded a nonprofit that fights illiteracy among children will be honored with a statewide award for his efforts.

Larry Abrams, the founder of BookSmiles, is one of 25 unsung heroes from across the Garden State that will be recognized with a Russell Berrie Foundation Making A Difference Award during a virtual ceremony on May 7, 11:30 a.m., the foundation announced.

Abrams is one of 14 people that will receive an award for $7,500. There will also be a top prize of $50,000 and four awards of $25,000.

“As challenging as 2020 was for so many of us, these selfless individuals answered their communities’ call for help,” Russell Berrie Foundation President Angelica Berrie said. “From activists fighting injustice and systemic inequities to neighbors helping neighbors struggling during the pandemic, it’s an honor to celebrate this remarkable group of individuals as part of our 25th anniversary celebration of the awards and Russ’ legacy.”

Abrams was also recognized locally, as Cherry Hill Council honored him in February. Read more here: Cherry Hill Nonprofit Approaches 1M Donations For Book Deserts

BookSmiles collects books for children throughout the region, so they can start their own libraries, starting from infancy.

In Cherry Hill, books are collected at its 24/7 bin outside the BookBank, 1879 Old Cuthbert Drive. There are also locations in Berlin, Collingswood, Haddon Heights, Haddonfield, Lawrenceville, Lindenwold, Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, Tabernacle, and Washington Township. There are also two locations in Pennsylvania.

BookSmiles also invites volunteers to start their own book drives. It provides information on how to do so here.

For 25 years, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has honored New Jersey residents whose outstanding service to others and heroic acts make a substantial impact on the lives of others.

So far, $3.75 million has been awarded to 380 people, each of whom has an inspiring story to tell about how they made a difference, according to the foundation.

Ramapo College of New Jersey manages the awards program and ceremony on behalf of the Russell Berrie Foundation.

To learn more about each of the 2021 honorees and to register for the virtual celebration, visit www.ramapo.edu/berrie-awards/.