What is Books Abroad?
Books Abroad is a community-based drive to collect books and school supplies for the children of Nri (pronounced en-REE) in southern Nigeria.

Who are the sponsors?
The Books Abroad project is a community partnership among the Katy Independent School District, the Katy Rotary Club and the Amobi Okoye Foundation, which is headquartered in Katy. 

Where will the donations go?
All donations to Books Abroad will be distributed among Nri’s 10 schools: 2 high schools, 3 middle schools and 5 elementaries, with a total student enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. These schools do not provide materials in the way that American schools do, so teachers and students have only what they can purchase on their own.

Why was Nri chosen for Books Abroad?
Nri is the family home of Amobi Okoye, who moved to the United States when he was 12, and is now in his third season as a defensive lineman with the Houston Texans.

How can I contribute?
Collection boxes are located at Katy ISD schools, the Education Support Center and various locations in the community, which are listed on the Katy ISD Web site.  Suggested items are listed below.

The Katy Rotary Foundation and the Amobi Okoye Foundation are 501(c)(3) organizations, so donations to books abroad are eligible for deduction in accordance with IRS guidelines. If you have a donation that you can’t leave in a collection point or if you would like a tax deduction receipt, e-mail booksabroad@katyisd.org.

There are also several other ways you can get involved.

How long will the project continue?
Books Abroad will conclude on December 15, 2009.  All donations will be packed and shipped to Nri for an early spring distribution.

Learn more about Nri:
www.nrikingdom.org or in the online Library Resources for students at www.katyisd.org

List of participating Schools

List of community drop-off locations

School Supplies* spiral notebooks (notebook and steno size) tablets (primary) notebook paper colored pencils watercolor paint sets 12” rulers #2 pencils colored pencil sets pens (ball point or rolling ball) watercolor markers construction paper plain white bond paper blunt scissors 3x5” index cards rubber bands eraser caps small pencil sharpeners pocket folders plain folders Post-It Notes ™ small zip-top bags * Please ... no supplies that will melt or dry out in the high heat of transit.

Books and Materials   (new or gently used) children’s books young adult books teaching materials educational games Old but serviceable computers can also be donated.