CBC's Do Crew sorts books for the Spryfield Book Bonanza

The CBC Nova Scotia Do Crew descended on the Captain William Spry Community Centre on Friday to sort books for their big book bonanza.

Donations of books of every genre poured in for the event throughout the month.

A determined bunch of volunteers, including the CBC's Stephen Puddicombe, Sarah Haliburton and meteorologist Jim Abraham got their sweat on hefting boxes around and doing their best to create some order in the literary chaos.  

The book drive is an annual event put on by Chebucto Connections, a group dedicated to community works in the Spryfield area. The event began in 2009 as a way to help encourage reading, especially in children and youth.

'Every year it's grown'

"At the time it began we were focused on literacy and  early learning, so we decided we just wanted to give away books. And then we thought 'well, let's do it for all ages' and that's how it started," said Chebucto Connections director Bonnie Ste-Croix.

"The very first book bonanza was to encourage reading in Spryfield and every year it's grown and it is just so well received," Ste. Croix said.

Work is its own reward, but as a bonus, volunteers were told by organizers they could take a few books for their own collections.  

Thanks to all the crew, including Linda, Sandy, Andra, Kevin, Whitney, Marilyn, Meghan, Carolyn and Sarah.

The CBC Nova Scotia Do Crew is a monthly initiative spearheaded by Louise Renault of Daybreak Maritimes and Halifax's Information Morning celebrating the spirit of volunteerism and community in the Halifax region.

For a few hours every month, alongside Louise, the Do Crew — consisting of CBC listeners, viewers and readers — lends a hand at an event or fundraiser for a local organization.

If you know of an organization that needs a hand (or 20!), e-mail Louise Renault at docrewns@cbc.ca