"The Oprah Winfrey Show" Audience Donates 25,000 New Books to Kids in Need to Celebrate the Show's Final Broadcasts

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May 23, 2011, 03:36 ET

Books to be Distributed to Programs Serving Children in Need by First Book

CHICAGO, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For 25 years, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has inspired millions of viewers and set a tremendous standard for charitable giving and raising awareness of critical issues. First Book is proud to have been a part of one of the iconic program's final episodes, providing 13,000 brand-new books for today's broadcast -- one for each member of the live studio audience. Those books -- along with thousands more -- will be distributed through First Book's national network of schools and programs serving children in need.

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Prior to the taping of the show, audience members were asked to go online and make a donation to First Book, choose from a list of titles and leave a personal message for Oprah. "Oprah" show fans exceeded all expectations, donating more than 25,000 brand-new books to First Book's network of school and programs serving children in low-income communities across the country.

"Oprah's been such an inspiration to so many of us -- not just through her personal example, but through her focus on education and the power of books to change lives," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. "We were honored to be a part of this special moment, and delighted to have the opportunity to help 'Oprah' show fans say 'thank you'."

To learn more about First Book, and to support our mission of ensuring that children in need have access to new books, please visit firstbook.org

About First Book

First Book has distributed more than 80 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada. By making new, high-quality books available on an ongoing basis, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and the elevating the quality of education. For more information, please visit us online or follow our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE First Book