Making a Difference in the Life of a Child

Aunt Mary’s Storybook Project (AMS) was launched by Companions Journeying Together in 1993 as a simple holiday project. It has grown to being involved with 14 correctional facilities throughout Illinois, including ours in Will County. They work to keep families connected with their children through audio recordings of their favorite books and personal messages.

Dedicated volunteers visit our facility and assist parents and grandparents in picking their favorite books to read. Many of these books are donated by caring individuals, businesses, local clubs, churches, and libraries. They are then recorded and encouraged to leave the child a personal message. Afterwards, the loved one’s audio is shared with their child or grandchild – allowing for a very special connection that might not otherwise happen while being incarcerated.

Imagine a child being able to hear a bedtime story or holiday favorite even though their family member is far away. A chance to hear a special message just for them when they are missing their loved one. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make such a huge impact on a child.

If you would like to host a children’s book drive or donate new or gently used books for this project, please contact us at Info@willcountyccc.org. We’d love to hear from you!