Deseret Book Co. and Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have started a new program, Chapters of Hope, designed to open reading opportunities for youths worldwide.

The ongoing program is expected to raise funds to purchase and distribute globally tens of thousands of books to children, ages 6 to 18, who currently have little or no access to books.

"It is through books that dreams are ignited in the hearts and minds of children," Sheri Dew, president and CEO of Deseret Book, said. "Combining efforts with LDS Humanitarian Services and with the public who wish to participate in reaching out to these children, we will be giving books to youths that quite literally will change their lives."

One hundred percent of all donated funds will be used on an ongoing basis to purchase selected books from national book publishers.

Deseret Book is handling the cost of administering the program, while Humanitarian Services is handling all book distribution. Deseret Book will be able to purchase books for as little as $1, some slightly higher.

"I've met women and their children and families on nearly every continent," Dew said. "I've seen empty bookshelves in their homes and schools. I've seen how much they treasure owning even one book. I also know from both observation and personal experience that books can literally change lives."

Chapters of Hope plans to make its first shipment of books in the spring of 2005.

Donations for Chapters of Hope can be made online at www.deseretbook.com, or at the company's toll-free phone number, 1-800-453-4532.

Additional information on LDS Humanitarian Services can be found online at humanitarianservices.org.