Wipro and First Book Bring 40,000 Books to Tampa-Area Kids

From Wipro Limited:

Tampa, Florida - Thousands of new books are now in the hands of Tampa-area kids in need, their parents and teachers, as a result of a partnership between Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global Information Technology, Consulting and Business Process Services company and the nonprofit organization First Book. Also partnering in the local distribution was the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA), an affiliate of the Florida Education Association (FEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

A truckload of 40,000 books was distributed October 1 at Hillsborough High School. Books were available to all educators, school staff and community programs that work or volunteer with Title I schools, English Language Learners, Special Education programs, Exceptional Student Education programs or military families.

The book distribution initiative kicked off on September 30 at Mendenhall Elementary School, where all 700 students received a book they could take home. At that event, local volunteers from Wipro and HCTA read books to second-graders and helped them choose a book to take home. The Alliance for Public Schools also provided volunteers for the distribution events.

Wipro Limited, which acquired the Tampa-based HealthPlan Services in February 2016, has a number of employees in the local area, many of whom volunteered during the two book distribution events. The Tampa events were part of a year-long partnership between Wipro and First Book to bring more books to children who need them.

Book ownership and a print-rich environment are leading indicators of a child’s educational success, but for the 32 million children growing up in low-income families in the U.S. alone, books are scarce. Studies have found that in low-income neighborhoods there is only one book for every 300 children; whereas in moderate income neighborhoods, there are 13 books for every one child.

“Wipro and its employees have gone above and beyond to help bring First Book’s resources into the communities where they work and live,” said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. “Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of Wipro’s employees at reading events and at book distributions, along with Wipro’s financial support, tens of thousands of children will experience the transformative power of books, to fuel learning and unlock their futures. We are enormously grateful.”

About First Book

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1992 that has distributed more than 150 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada, which, with more than 275,000 members, is the largest and fastest growing network of educators exclusively serving kids in need. By making new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis, First Book is transforming the lives of children in need and elevating the quality of education. Eligible educators, librarians, program leaders, and others serving children in need can sign up at firstbook.org/register. For more information, please visit firstbook.org or follow the latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading information technology, consulting and business process services company that delivers solutions to enable its clients do business better. Wipro delivers winning business outcomes through its deep industry experience and a 360 degree view of “Business through Technology.” By combining digital strategy, customer centric design, advanced analytics and product engineering approach, Wipro helps its clients create successful and adaptive businesses. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, Wipro has a dedicated workforce of over 170,000, serving clients across 6 continents. For more information, please visit here.

Images via Wipro

(Image 1) Mendenhall Elementary 1: Health Plan Services president and CEO Jeff Bak reads to students at Mendenhall Elementary School

(Image 2) Mendenhall Elementary 2: Mendenhall Elementary School students all received a book to take home

(Image 3) Hillsborough High 1: Tampa educators select from a truckload of 40,000 books for their classrooms - Photo Credit: Eric Gzimalowski – Florida Education Association

(Image 4) Hillsborough High 2: Children at Hillsborough High School book distribution event choose books to take home - Photo Credit: Eric Gzimalowski – Florida Education Association

(Image 5) Hillsborough High 3: Children at Hillsborough High School book distribution event choose books to take home - Photo Credit: Eric Gzimalowski – Florida Education Association