Operation Happy Books

A Book Can Make All the Difference!

By David Beaty II

10-03-2024

My name is David Beaty II. I am a Life Scout in Troop 114 here in Huntsville, Texas. I am working on my Eagle Scout Project, Operation Happy Books. Operation Happy Books is a book drive that benefits the patients and families of the Texas Children’s Hospital.

This book drive is very important to me and I would like to tell you about why I chose to serve Texas Children’s Hospital and their libraries.

When I was six years old, I got sick and was sent to Texas Children’s Hospital to see doctors and have tests done. In between tests, my mom and I stopped at the library located on the second floor of the hospital. There, I got lost in a new comic book. The book made me feel incredibly happy and I forgot about being scared. When it came time to go to my next test, the library allowed me to take the book with me! My mom offered to pay for the book, but the librarian just gave me a warm smile and said she was glad I was enjoying it.

It might be hard to understand how such a small book could impact a kid so much. What I can tell you is that I don’t remember much at all about that day. I don’t remember the doctors or the tests or the waiting rooms. I don’t remember feeling bad, being scared, or being in pain. All I remember is reading that book and looking at the hilarious characters. I remember laughing and reading my mom the jokes. The joy I got from my new book replaced the negative experience and made that day a happy memory for me.

On the way home, my mom and I talked about one day giving back to the hospital that gave so much to me. Operation Happy Books is my way of saying thank you and I hope these books help make happy memories for other kids who might get lost in a book too!

I am excited to invite you to participate in my book drive initiative which is aimed at collecting children’s books for the patients and their families at The Texas Children’s Hospital.

My primary goal is to collect 500 books for The Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands, but I am eager to surpass this goal with the help of our community and reach for 5,000! This would allow me to serve other Texas Children’s Hospital libraries, book carts, and “Book Nooks” in the Houston area.

I am asking for Huntsville to help me by donating new or “like new” children’s books in the month of October. There are three ways to donate:

Drop-off Donation- Take your new or “like new” book donations to one of the convenient book drop-box locations listed below:

Re-Read Used Books
Josey Scout Lodge
First Baptist Church
Huntsville Public Library
First Presbyterian Church

Amazon Wish List- Operation Happy Books has an Amazon Wish List. It is a quick and convenient way to contribute to this worthy cause! Just visit operationhappybooks.org and click the Amazon Wishlist link to purchase a book from the list. Your book (or books!) will be automatically delivered to the drive saving you time!

Large Donations- Can your organization help? Do you have a large donation? We can facilitate a pick up! Please email me to schedule a convenient time for you or your organization. Reach out with any questions. operationhappybooks@gmail.com

Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, connect us, and bring smiles during challenging times. I believe that with your support, we can make a significant impact for many kids. Let’s work together to make a difference and spread the love of books! Operation Happy Books is dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to hospital children and their families. Thank you, Huntsville, for your support!

Please visit operationhappybooks.org to learn more!

I would like to thank these wonderful organizations for their generous support!