Collected books to be placed ‘directly into hands of children and families’ the nonprofit serves
Children First of Sarasota County, “a nationally recognized nonprofit delivering high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening programs,” will kick off its third annual Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader book drive on Feb. 1, the organization has announced.
“Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum,” the book drive is seeking “donations of new, age-appropriate books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy,” a news release explains. The books collected “will be placed directly into the hands of children and families served by Children First and shared with local nonprofit and education partners,” the release adds.
“Reading is the doorway that makes all other learning possible,” Birnbaum said in the release. “You can’t truly learn if you can’t read at an age-appropriate level, and we ask that you please support our community’s youngest so that they receive the gift of lifelong learning,” she added.
The book drive will continue through March 31, the release notes. Members of the public are encouraged to get involved in one of two ways:
- Donate new children’s books by delivering them or mailing them to 1723 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234.
- “Make a monetary donation at www.childrenfirst.net/donate,” with the proceeds to be used to purchase new books for children in the agency’s early learning programs.
“With the support of community partners and donors,” the release points out, “Children First is helping turn today’s readers into tomorrow’s leaders — one book at a time.”
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of more than 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, “Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being,” the release explains.
For more information, call 941-953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.