Thanks to more than 100 individual donations and grants, Books for Kids Columbia Gorge (B4KCG) is providing book awards totaling $29,245 to 20 schools and programs serving children and youth at 28 different locations in Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania counties.
B4KCG promotes literacy development by enabling public schools and early childhood programs to purchase high-quality books that will ultimately become the property of children, youth and their families. Home libraries are proven to promote improved reading skills and increased family interaction as family members read and talk together.
Teachers and librarians use book awards to choose books that fit the skill levels and interests of their students at the First Book Marketplace. This gives them extra books to use to enhance literacy curriculum activities and provides an opportunity to help students become excited about the books they will be able to own. This year more than 2,500 children and youth in the four counties will be taking books home.
We want to acknowledge the generous financial support of United Way of the Columbia Gorge, Hood River Lions, Gorge Community Foundation, Greenfish Foundation, the Martha Anne Radford Trust, Friends of the Mill A Little Library, Natasha Kern Literary Agency, Riverside Community Church, Hood River Valley Christian, and retired teacher, Barbara Weir. The support of Soroptimist International of Mt. Adams, Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub, and Gorge Ecumenical Ministries is also greatly appreciated.
B4KCG fundraising occurs throughout the year with a focused effort August through December. Applications go out to targeted programs each January with Book Awards granted in February.
Donations can be made online via www.booksforkidscg.org and by check to PO Box 34, White Salmon; PO Box 82, The Dalles; or PO Box 221, Hood River. We are a designated 501(c)3 non-profit.
•••
Karen Stafford is on the Books for Kids Columbia Gorge advisory board. For more information about the program, visit booksforkidscg.org.
Commented