Mom’s Book Nook is rooted in a personal legacy of giving and carried forward through Think Donson’s commitment to serving the community. My journey with Mom's Book Nook began with a beautiful partnership - that of a mother and daughter united in their passion for giving back. My mother, a retired nurse from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, was not just my parent but my dearest friend and inspiration. Together, we discovered the joy of volunteering, particularly through the hospital's corporate volunteer program.
My mother's heart held a special place for children, always eager to meet their needs in any way possible. This dedication to young minds found a perfect outlet when we connected with a close family friend, a retired
teacher whose classroom became our canvas for spreading the love of reading.
We took great pleasure in curating and expanding her classroom library, ensuring it was well-stocked for each
school year. But our efforts didn't stop at the classroom door. We made it our mission to place books directly
into the hands of students, gifting them literature to enjoy during holiday breaks and summer vacations. The
goal was simple yet profound: to nurture a love for reading that extended beyond the school walls and into
their daily lives.
The response from the students was heartwarming. Their enthusiasm for reading blossomed under their
teacher's guidance, and soon, waiting lists formed for the books we provided. It was clear that we were not
just distributing books; we were opening doors to new worlds and possibilities.
However, the most treasured outcome of our efforts wasn't found in the pages of the books we shared, but in
the heartfelt thank-you notes penned by the students. Their words of gratitude, expressing how our small
acts had touched their lives, became the most precious reward for my mother and me. These notes served as
a powerful reminder of the impact that sharing knowledge and stories can have on young minds.
This experience laid the foundation for what Mom's Book Nook stands for today - a continuation of that same
spirit of giving, learning, and connecting through the magic of books.
What Our Partners Say
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is extremely grateful for the generous donation of beautiful, new children's books from Felicia and Mom’s Book Nook to our emergency shelter, and to our holiday toy program. These stories are more than pages and pictures—they are pathways to comfort, imagination, and hope for our youngest survivors.
MaryEllen Mancini, CFRE
Vice President of Philanthropy
SPARCC
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
The gift of reading and love of books is one of the most valuable treasures we can provide our children. Thank you to Felicia for creating Mom’s Book Nook! Forty Carrots Family Center is proud to be a partner helping to share the joy of learning throughout our local community.
Michelle Kapreilian
Chief Executive Officer
Forty Carrots Family Center
One of the most heartwarming moments happens right before the start of each session-when the children get to choose a book to read and take home. Their excitement is contagious. You can see their faces light up as they make their selection, often proudly showing off their chosen book as they walk down the hallway. It's a simple moment, but it speaks volumes.
Watching their joy reminds me just how meaningful this program is. Thanks to the special space created by "Mom's Book Nook," we're not just supporting parents-we're also planting a love of reading in the hearts of their children. It's truly inspiring to witness the impact this is having on the families we serve.
Gina Sauer
Ignite Fatherhood & REACH Programs Director
JFCS of the Suncoast
We are incredibly grateful to Felicia Donson and Mom’s Book Nook for the generous gift of beautiful, high-quality children’s books for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Libraries at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. What makes the gift even more special is that Mom’s Book Nook was founded in loving memory of Felicia’s mother, a long-time nurse at SMH.
The parents are very excited for free books to read to their children. One father stated, “Thank you for these books. I remember reading “Are You My Mother?” when I was a kid. I can’t wait to read it to my son.” One mother stated, “Wow Rainbow Fish! That is a classic. How special, thank you.”
Coordinator
'Your generous donation of books is more than just a gift—it is a lifeline of hope, comfort, and healing. Stories have the power to mend hearts, spark imagination, and inspire courage. Because of your kindness, our readers will find words that soothe, characters that empower, and pages that remind them of their own strength.'
On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, we are incredibly grateful to Felicia and Mom’s Book Nook for the generous donation of thoughtfully selected children’s books to our Club members. Through Mom’s Book Nook, our members have access to stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community.
Community Engagement Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
We are incredibly grateful to Moms Book Nook for their generous donation of over 200 books to the children of Baby Fox Academy! Watching our kiddos light up as they received their books was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful access to stories can be.
Early literacy isn’t just about learning to read — it’s about building language, imagination, confidence, and connection. When children are exposed to books early, they develop the foundational skills that support lifelong learning. At Baby Fox, this aligns perfectly with our philosophy: hands-on, meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and nurture the whole child. Books open doors, and we love watching our children walk (and run!) right through them.
Baby Fox Academy
Join Our Misson
At Mom’s Book Nook, we believe that every child deserves the magic of stories, the joy of imagination, and the power of knowledge. Our mission is simple: to ignite young minds by providing books to children in need, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to dream, explore, and grow through reading.
Let’s turn pages and change lives—one book at a time!
Help Us Grow
Your book donation helps bring joy, knowledge, and imagination to children who need it most. Donate online today and make a lasting impact!
