Books Are Wings effort targeting 2,000 low-income children

PAWTUCKET – The staff and a team of volunteers for Books Are Wings are geared up for this year’s March Reading Madness campaign.
The Books Are Wings mission is to put free books in the hands of children, in an effort to reduce the gap in reading proficiency among children from low-income families in Rhode Island.
During March, Books Are Wings will challenge 2,000 children to “catch reading madness.” This includes a challenge to Rhode Island business and community members to raise $2,000 to support the effort.
“A donation of just a few dollars can put a book in the hands of child who may not have a single book at home,” says Jocelynn White, director of Books Are Wings. “Thank you to our bookmark sponsors Loiselle Insurance and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.”
Books Are Wings will be traveling to schools in hopes of reaching over 2,000 children. At these book parties, volunteers will distribute over 4,000 books. Volunteers will include Rhode Island collegiate athletes. All told, the team expects to travel 200 plus miles as they crisscross the state.
This second annual March Reading Madness campaign includes a new contest for students. Participating elementary schools will receive a reading bracket to be completed within the month. All classrooms who complete the bracket will receive free books for their classroom library.
“March Reading Madness is a big undertaking for us but it’s well worth the effort when you see the kids receive their books,” said White. “Every time a child reads they win.”
Those looking to donate books can do so at 19 Bank Rhode Island locations across the state.
“BankRI has a long tradition of giving back to the community and we are proud to partner with them,” says Suzanne Oppenheimer, president of Books Are Wings.
For further information, visit www.crowdrise.com/marchreadingmadness/fundraiser/booksarewings.

No posts to display