Dollar General Manager Partners with Book Angel to Transform Retail Waste into Community Resources

CELINA, TX – Tamia Downs, General Manager of Dollar General at 705 E. Pecan Street in Celina, has launched an innovative partnership with local nonprofit Book Angel to redirect unsellable but usable products to families in need across North Texas.

Since taking leadership in March, Downs has revolutionized store operations while tackling a critical industry challenge – the disposal of safe, usable products that can no longer be sold. Rather than following standard waste protocols, she connected with Book Angel, a nonprofit focused on community wellness and sustainability.

"This isn't just about giving away extra goods," says Dr. Rachael Yvonne Davis, Global Operations & Strategic Partnerships Chair at Book Angel. "It's about shifting the culture of what it means to care. Tamia didn't just manage a store — she saw a bigger picture, and we're proud to walk beside her in making a difference."

The collaboration has already diverted hundreds of products from landfills, including pantry staples and personal care items. Book Angel repackages, sorts, and distributes these goods to students, seniors, and struggling families throughout the region.

This partnership represents a significant step toward sustainable retail practices in smaller communities, where corporate social responsibility initiatives can make immediate local impact. The Dollar General-Book Angel model demonstrates how retail waste can be transformed into valuable community resources through thoughtful redistribution.

Downs has simultaneously revitalized store operations, addressing previous concerns with cleanliness and organization while building a new team focused on customer service and community engagement. Her comprehensive approach shows how operational excellence and community responsibility can work hand-in-hand.

The initiative highlights how individual leadership within corporate structures can drive meaningful change. What began as a simple question – "Isn't there a better way?" – has evolved into a replicable model for retail sustainability and community support.

Book Angel continues to expand its redistribution programs and welcomes new partnerships with retailers and community organizations. For more information about Book Angel or to get involved in future collaborations, visit www.BookAngelNonProfit.com.

About Book Angel: Book Angel is a North Texas–based nonprofit committed to advancing community wellness and sustainability through creative redistribution and support programs. Founded in Fort Worth, Texas by retired schoolteacher Ms. Kathy Hopkins-Davis, Book Angel works across sectors to transform surplus into solutions — ensuring that gently used books, goods, educational materials, and everyday essentials reach the families who need them most. By turning excess into opportunity, Book Angel helps communities thrive with dignity, purpose, and care.

Media Contact: