Resident contributes books to Pulte-school district program

     Las Vegas resident Vincent Mercado donated 2,000 books to the B.O.O.K.S. Program. The program, Building Opportunities for Our Kids in School, was developed in coordination with Pulte Homes and the Clark County School District to assist high-need elementary schools throughout the valley.
      "It was my dream to open a small used bookstore someday after retirement, but I've come to realize that it's not possible for me at this point in my life," Mercado, a baccarat dealer, said. "After reading about the book drive I thought it was fate because I was looking for an organization that was in need of books."
      The book drive will provide new and gently used books to elementary school libraries to increase children's access to books and to foster a love of reading.
      The builder has also established the Pulte Homes B.O.O.K.S. Fund through the Clark County Public Education Foundation for monetary donations that will benefit the school district's library services.
      "Together with the school district, we identified 50 local elementary schools that are considered high-need and would benefit from this program," Steve Petruska, president of the builder's Las Vegas division, said. "Without the support of the community and caring residents like Vincent Mercado, the B.O.O.K.S. Program would not be successful."
      The book drive will culminate during Nevada Reading Week, observed Feb. 28 to March 3.
      Pulte Homes' 10 active neighborhoods are serving as drop-off points for book donations.
      In addition, Borders Books at 2190 N. Rainbow Blvd. will sponsor a benefit weekend for the Pulte Homes B.O.O.K.S. Fund from Feb. 25 to 28, when 15 percent of the proceeds from sales will be allocated to the fund.

Real Estate home