By Tess Tomasi
In a study published last year*, researchers found that the best indicator of a child’s educational success was the presence of books in the home, and the more the better. The 20-year study examined families in 27 countries and found that children raised in homes with many books – regardless of their parents’ education or occupation or class – were more successful in school.
Children from low-income families are at a disadvantage because there is barely enough money for basics such as rent, food, and utilities, so there’s never enough money left over for books. But you can change that.
The Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC) is collecting books for children through its annual Books in a Bag program. New preschool or kindergarten books are accepted at the Volunteer Center until April 29. New or gently used books for all ages (baby books through adult) will be accepted from April 26 through 29. Monetary donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase books – click here to make a secure online donation.
Since 2000, the BVC has collected and distributed nearly 70,000 books for low-income children in Bergen County and the surrounding area. To find out how you can get involved in Books in a Bag or the BVC, contact Tess Tomasi at 201-489-9454 ext. 114 or ttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.
* Family Scholarly Culture and Educational Success: Books and Schooling in 27 Nations. 2010. Evans, Kelley, Sikora, Treiman.
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