I Can’t Believe It’s a Book Store’s first-ever read-a-thon Saturday raised money for the Greater Pamlico Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Gary Ceres and Richard Snow, owners and operators of the bookstore, said all proceeds raised were donated to the chapter to help it carry out its missions. The  money will replenish Red Cross funds depleted after torrential downpours caused flooding on a disastrous level last fall.

The money will help provide shelters, food, clothing, meals and other aid to victims of natural disasters.

“What was really amazing was we had an anonymous donor who gave $1,000 to the Red Cross,” Ceres said.

Ceres said it is that kind of local generosity that constantly surprises him and makes him glad he works in Washington.

“This is such a wonderful place,” he said. “And that just attributes to the kind of people that are here and willing to give and help out.”

Kim Richardson, executive assistant with the local Red Cross chapter, said people sponsored 10-minute periods of reading for $10 donations.

The money raised is greatly needed, she said.

“We ended up having to use about $25,000 last fall to help the victims of the flood,” she said. “It’s something we knew was going to happen.”

Ceres said Lydie Jennings, wife of Washington Mayor Archie Jennings, read to children while she was at the bookstore, reading for a good portion of the morning as children came to and left the bookstore.

Richardson said the Red Cross does not receive government funding. The money it receives comes from donations. The local Red Cross chapter serves Beaufort, Hyde and Tyrrell counties.

Donations to the local Red Cross chapter may be made by calling its office at 252-946-4110 or the bookstore at 252-946-0855.