Book Drive to Benefit Needy RI Children Begins May 1

Time and time again, studies have shown that parents who read children books at an early age give their kids a huge head start in life.

But not every family can afford to buy books. The result is that many children in Rhode Island from lower-income families don’t get the same advantage than their wealthier peers.

Thanks to United Way of Rhode Island, there’s a way to help make sure every Rhode Island child gets to experience of a good book at as early of an age as possible.

United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) and Books Are Wings are once again calling on local businesses, community organizations, individuals and families to help promote a love of reading among children by supporting their 4th Annual Children’s Book Drive. The statewide effort begins on May 1 and continues through June 12.

During the six-week collection, new and gently-used books for youth of all ages (birth to teen) in all subject areas are welcome. Books about science, technology, engineering and math, for students in grades 5 through 9, will support summer learning programs with a S.T.E.M. focus.

New for this year’s drive is the addition of an Amazon Book List, which makes it easy for those who may not have children’s books at home, but would like to donate, to participate. The list includes recommended books for all age groups, as well as Spanish language selections.

“United Way remains committed to ensuring that all children have access to the tools they need to gain the skills that lead to success in the classroom and in life, and that often starts with a love of reading,” said Anthony Maione, president & CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “Children who are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school than proficient readers, which is why this effort is so important.”

At the conclusion of the drive, books will be distributed to children statewide through Hasbro Summer Learning programs, as well as at afterschool programs in the fall. The Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative, established in partnership with UWRI, has grown to reach more than 1,600 students annually—providing them an opportunity to avoid summer learning loss by engaging in hands-on, experiential and service learning projects.

Books may be dropped off on Fridays, May 1 to June 19, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at United Way headquarters, located at 50 Valley Street in Providence. Those interested in arranging a drop-off, or hosting a collection, may contact UWRI at bookdrive@uwri.org.

Over the last three years, the Children’s Book Drive has collected more than 64,000 books, distributing them all to children locally and statewide.

Photo Caption: United Way of RI will hold its 4th annual Children’s Book Drive in partnership with Books Are Wings from May 1 to June 12. All of the books collected will be distributed to children statewide through Hasbro Summer Learning programs and afterschool programs in the fall. Over the last three years, the effort has generated more than 64,000 books.