Bring the Joy of Reading to a Young Child!

Studies show that reading to a child, especially early learners, is the single most important thing a parent can do to help the child acquire language, develop a love of learning and prepare for school - leading to  greater academic success. Often, children in low-income families lack access to books.  These families are struggling to pay for rent, utilities and food, so books are far down on the list of must-have items.

 

To address this need in Bergen County, Business Volunteer Connect, a program of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, has kicked off its annual Books in a Bag campaign.  The goal of the program is to collect 5,000 NEW books by February 12th. Anyone can easily order books here. The books will be distributed to 1,000 children enrolled in programs in early learning centers throughout the county, and culminate on Read Across America Day on March 3, “Dr. Seuss” March birthday.  On that day, the collected books will be delivered to the children by dozens of corporate volunteers, who will also stay to read to the children. Sponsoring companies include Pearson Education, Community Bank of Bergen County, Jack Daniels Motors, Rockland Electric, Spectra Labs, and United Water.