Six hundred employees of James Patterson’s bookstore receive $300,000 in holiday bonuses.
Photo Credit (Pixeles)
James Patterson, an international best-selling author, is spearheading a $500 holiday bonus for dozens of American retailers this year because he believes books save lives.
This holiday season, Patterson donated $300,000 to 600 different bookshop workers in an effort to safeguard the treasured sector and its financial line.
Workers might have applied for the bonus on their own or been nominated by friends, coworkers, or even authors, according to the American Booksellers Association (ABA).
Bookstores are lifesavers. “Period,” Patterson told ABC News in an interview. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to recognize their efforts during this festive season.”
Some of the places that have seen Patterson’s gifts include Thank You Books in Alabama, The Nook in Iowa, and City Lights Books in San Francisco, according to People Magazine.
Mr. Patterson’s financial and emotional gifts are much appreciated. Allison Hill, CEO of the ABA, also expressed her gratitude for Mr. Patterson’s ongoing support of independent bookstores, adding that everyone is amazed and appreciative of it.
“Having him acknowledge and reward booksellers for the important work they do in the industry is a huge deal.”
MacKenzie Scott, a billionaire, donates $15 million to help farmers in developing countries who suffer from blurred vision.
Patterson has given away more than $1.5 million in his personal fortune to bookshops over the last two decades, and this is only one of several substantial donations. Among these was a contribution of half a million dollars made in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when several states’ small enterprises were endangered by mandatory lockdowns and closures of establishments.
I get that the White House is worried about rescuing the airline industry and large corporations. In a statement made at the time, Patterson expressed his concern about the future of small bookshops, who play a vital role on main streets nationwide.
In my opinion, books are indispensable. Humans become friendlier and more empathic as a result. Furthermore, they can temporarily alleviate our feelings of being overwhelmed, nervous, and afraid.
