Lights On After School (LOAS) and the Waldenbooks® store at Cherry Creek Mall are teaming up to inspire a love of reading in young people throughout Denver.  For the month of August, Waldenbooks’ customers are encouraged to purchase new books that will be donated to youth participating in LOAS, which provides quality after-school activities to youth in Denver Public Schools.

A list of recommended titles customers are encouraged to purchase to benefit LOAS is available at the Waldenbooks store.

Lights On After School is a partnership between Mile High United Way, the Denver Public Schools Foundation and the City and County of Denver, who work closely with Denver Public Schools (DPS.)  The partnership provides funding and program support for enriching after-school activities that can include technology, arts, academics, athletics or youth development in a positive, safe environment for elementary and middle school students in DPS.

“Students who regularly participate in LOAS have better school attendance records and higher academic achievement,” said Art Rimando, director of Youth Success at Mile High United Way.  “We’re excited that Waldenbooks is supporting this critical program that is an effective strategy for motivating and empowering youth to graduate from high school.”

Cherry Creek Mall is the official retailer of the Democratic National Convention.  Traffic to the mall is expected to increase dramatically during the convention so Waldenbooks and LOAS will have a unique opportunity to engage shoppers with this cause and give to the community.

“We have many very caring customers who truly understand that books have the power to change the lives of children,” said Waldenbooks Sales Manager Scott Spineto. ”With this book drive, we are giving our customers an easy way to join with us to help the youth of LOAS experience the power of books and give back to our community.”