By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–United Way of San Diego County is partnering with local San Diego businesses Warwick’s La Jolla, Libélula Books and Company, and Cafe Moto to host its annual book drive for local students.
The San Diego-based nonprofit aims to collect 3,000 books to help students develop essential literacy skills, ignite their imagination, and nurture their love for reading. All donated books will be distributed to students in historically disinvested areas across the county.
“Each year, our team encourages the community to help us get books into the hands of students who need them most. Now is the time to support our children to develop the necessary reading skills that will ensure their success in school and beyond,” says Nancy Sasaki, president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County. “It’s crucial that elementary students are reading at grade level to not only ensure they do not fall behind in school but also give them the equal opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
From being a doctor to an astronaut to a veterinarian, children have grand dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. However, those dreams can easily slip away due to educational and economic inequities. For instance, not reading at grade level and lack of access to resources such as age-appropriate, high-quality books at home are both significant factors that hinder a child’s long-term learning, ultimately preventing them from reaching their career goals.
A staggering statistic shows that over half of all San Diego County children aren’t reading at grade level by the time they enter fourth grade. Studies show that children not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, largely because foundational reading comprehension is crucial for building more advanced educational concepts. To help close literacy gaps in our region, United Way of San Diego County strives to put books into the hands and homes of children who need them most.
Through March 15, local companies and individuals are encouraged to either make monetary donations and/or donate new books to support the campaign. United Way of San Diego County offers many ways to contribute to its annual book drive including:
For a $10 donation, the public can put a book into the hands of a child in a disinvested community to help keep their dreams alive.
When purchasing a book on Warwick’s website, select the “Pick Up In-Store” option. Warwick’s will automatically ensure that the public’s donation is added to the “Read Across America” book donations. Books are available in both English and Spanish. To purchase a book online, visit uwsd.org/raa.
Books can also be purchased in person from one of United Way of San Diego County’s partners, including Warwick’s La Jolla, 7812 Girard Ave., Libélula Books and Co., 950 S 26th St. in Barrio Logan, and Barnes and Noble, Market Center, 10775 Westview Parkway in San Diego.
The Barnes & Noble location is participating in the book drive from Feb. 1-29 only.
Receive a complimentary coffee from Cafe Moto (2619 National Ave.) with a Libélula Books & Co. Read Across America purchase. Ask in-store for details.
“We want our students’ at-home libraries to be overflowing with books to give local students a space to read, imagine, and journey into a captivating story,” says Sasaki. “Books in the hands of elementary students are tools that will help them grow and thrive in and out of school, and we encourage our community to donate however they can to help keep students’ dreams alive and in reach.”
The “Read Across America Book Drive” is sponsored by the Navy Federal Credit Union. For more information on how to support the drive or become a sponsor, visit uwsd.org/raa.
