Book Industry Contributing to Relief Efforts in Haiti
As the world responds to the earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this week, many in the book publishing industry are mobilizing to contribute to the relief efforts. Philadelphia-based Quirk Books announced today that through Jan. 31, 20 percent of the proceeds earned on every single book sold on Irreference.com, ChronicleBooks.com and KnockKnockStuff.com will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid the Haiti relief efforts.
"Over the years, Quirk Books, Chronicle Books, and Knock Knock have brought you books about how to be a superhero, how to approach worst-case scenarios, and giving pep talks and pick-me ups," according to a statement released by Quirk. "Together, we're bringing you a unique opportunity to help those affected by the earthquake."
Similar efforts from those in the book publishing industry include:
• Books-A-Million Inc. will collect donations to support The Salvation Army's Haitian relief efforts. Customers will be able to make donations at all Books-A-Million stores, as well as through the company's Web site at www.BooksAMillion.com/helphaiti
• Chronicle Books invited the public to a bake sale in the lobby of its San Francisco-based headquarters to benefit the relief efforts. "Chronicle staffers will be whipping up cookies, muffins, cupcakes, bonbons, and an assortment of sweet treats to raise funds for the Red Cross," the company wrote on its blog, noting that all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.
• Google is donating $1 million to relief efforts, and has included a link on its home page to information, resources and ways the public can help.
• Amazon.com has established a box on its home page through which customers can contribute to the relief efforts.
• The Canon Group announced that it has pledged approximately $220,000 to the Haiti relief and recovery efforts through Red Cross Organizations.