More than a dozen local businesses are partnering with Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit for early childhood development, to help “grow a reader” throughout the month of May by participating in the nonprofit’s Grow A Reader virtual book drive.
For families who struggle to make ends meet, purchasing new, high-quality children’s books simply does not compete with priorities like providing food, clothing and shelter. In low-income communities, three out of every five children don’t have a single children’s book to call their own.
“Children without access to early literacy materials often face challenges as they enter school,” says Jake Adams, chief development officer for Southwest Human Development. “Our partners’ support of our early literacy efforts through this annual drive better prepares thousands of children for success when they enter kindergarten.”
Donating to the Grow A Reader virtual book drive is simple. People can visit a participating Grow A Reader business location, “pick a flower” and purchase books online at swhd.org/GAR to help get children’s books into the hands of kids who need them most. Books start at only $3.99 and are also eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit of up to $800.
This year’s participating Grow A Reader partners include Camelback Toyota, Copper Star Coffee, Even Stevens Sandwiches, FEZ, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, HobNob’s, Joe’s Diner, MOD Pizza, My Slice of the Pie Pizzeria, Picazzo’s, Short Leash Hot Dogs + Rollover Doughnuts and Spinato’s Pizzeria.
Donated books are distributed to families in need who participate in Southwest Human Development’s early literacy programs like Raising A Reader, a program that focuses on strengthening family literacy routines and community literacy connections, and Reach Out and Read, a national, evidence-based program that promotes early literacy in pediatric offices.
To learn more about Grow A Reader or donate books, visit swhd.org/GAR.
