New or used books can be dropped off at WSI’s Kalamazoo office through September 21.
The Kalamazoo WSI team is helping United Way reach their goal of 15,000 donated new or gently used children’s books for kindergarten through 3rd grade readers. Why? Because children who read well tend to succeed in school.
Through September 21, WSI is joining other area businesses, schools, and nonprofits to collect donations for the United Way Children’s Book Drive which aims to get kids excited about reading by making sure they have access to diverse, interesting, and newer titles that will excite them.
“Through third grade, kids are learning to read. After that, they’re reading to learn,” said Jennifer Nottingham, Associate Director of Community Impact for UWBCKR. “Children that are unable to read by the end of third grade are four to six times more likely to drop out of high school. We’re determined to make sure every child has the resources to read well by that critical point.”
“We’re excited to take part in the book drive,” says Lauren Rogalski, WSI Culture Manager. “Staff have already started bringing gently used books from home and as a company, we’ve committed to buying additional new books from their wish list.”
Read more about the United Way Book Drive, including other ways to contribute and additional donation drop-off sites, at changethestory.org.
