July 7, 2015 (Washington, DC) – We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) is extremely honored to be the recipient of a generous donation of $10,000 from Writing for Charity. WNDB President Ellen Oh was at hand to receive the check from Mette Ivie Harrison, Chair of Writing for Charity, at the annual American Library Association conference in San Francisco.

The donation came about when Ally Condie, a volunteer writer for Writing for Charity, suggested WNDB and committee member Valynne Maetani, seconded the notion. The committee was then unanimous in support for finding better representation in the books they donate to kids in need.

Writing for Charity began in 2007 when YA author Shannon Hale decided to do a one-day writing conference for her readers in order to earn money to give to a good cause. Almost every year since then, it has been ongoing. Writing for Charity has also joined with the Children’s Literature Association of Utah as their non-profit, combining efforts to get books into the hands of needy kids.

Mette Ivie Harrison is in her fourth year as chair for Writing for Charity and it has been growing steadily since then. She is author of seven YA books, and the adult mystery, The Bishop’s Wife. She is also a Mormon mother of five and a competitive triathlete.

Additionally, local Utah writers donate their time for the day, offering critiques, presentations and panels. Local businesses often contribute, as well as other volunteers to further Writing for Charity’s cause.

WNDB is thrilled and grateful to be Writing for Charity’s non profit recipient for 2015. The donation will go directly into WNDB programs, specifically the Walter Dean Myers’ Awards and Grants.