GoMart Launches 17,000-Book Donation Across West Virginia
The retail chain's book donation provides a model for operators looking to boost regional brand visibility via school partnerships.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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GoMart is donating 17,000 copies of a new children's book titled Watch Where You Put Your Feet Down to first graders across West Virginia. The initiative, which features appearances by author Tony Caridi at local schools, aims to promote literacy and highlight state landmarks.
Why it matters
Corporate-led literacy initiatives like this represent a growing trend of private sector engagement in state education goals. These partnerships offer businesses a structured way to build brand visibility and community goodwill across wide geographic footprints.
GoMart is distributing 17,000 books to first graders statewide, supporting a literacy tour that includes visits to 6 elementary schools. The project aims to bolster local reading programs through this significant donation volume.
The players
GoMart
A regional convenience store operator that maintains a widespread retail presence across West Virginia.
Tony Caridi
An author and public personality who is touring state schools to promote his new book.
The details
The program leverages the logistical footprint of GoMart stores to distribute reading materials directly to school districts. Author Tony Caridi is conducting in-person readings at six selected schools during the week of October 26, 2026, to engage directly with the student demographic and reinforce the focus on West Virginia geography.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Author Tony Caridi visited Sutton Elementary and Stanaford Elementary schools.
October 27, 2026: Caridi visited Belle Elementary School.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the pattern established by the Read Aloud West Virginia program by prioritizing student access to books about regional themes. It highlights a common corporate strategy to align philanthropic investments with existing statewide educational standards.
Operators looking to replicate this model should evaluate the cost-benefit of physical donations versus sponsorship models. Focus on how these partnerships integrate with existing state educational frameworks to ensure community and institutional buy-in.
The takeaway
Large-scale book donations serve as a high-visibility tool for strengthening regional brand identity and community ties. Owners can track the impact of similar literacy partnerships by measuring the volume of local engagement at participating sites and evaluating potential tax-deductible donation opportunities.
Further reading
Find more examples of regional corporate social responsibility in our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
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