The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy echoes the need for increased reading and comprehension as they say that 36 million adults in our highest risk communities struggle to read basic sentences, and 1 in 5 struggle to fill out a form, read labels on medication, write a note, or describe symptoms to a doctor.
Literacy affects health care, unemployment, crime rates, poverty, and in short . . . everything!
One of the goals of the Van Buren Administration, in connection with Literacy Promotion, is to encourage partnerships with organizations whose goal is to improve literacy. That is why we make the effort to assist the Brunswick Literacy Council with our book collections and donations. Our books become Christmas (Holiday) gifts to those in Brunswick County who are registered with Brunswick Family Assistance. Each child is gifted with 2-3 books on his or her individual level and interest. Here is a guideline for our book collecting this year:
• Books for children, ages infant to teens are in demand.
• Books may be new or gently used.
• Books for adults will be accepted.
• Large print books for adults are in demand.
• Word game books are especially desired.
• Ladies like the “Chicken Soup” books.
• Men like action or western themes.
• Book donations should be completed by the first week of December to allow time for Literacy Council volunteers to sort and prepare the gifts.
Our book collection effort is a worthwhile endeavor. Dot Hoerr, Exec. Director of the Council says that 2,500 books are required to cover the number of children and families who receive these special gifts.
There will be a box available for your book donations -- so, please do not forget to check your local library for sales of retired books, thrift stores, and even your own shelf for that book you may wish to donate!
Thank you, Brunswick Town Daughters for your generosity!
Carol Hart, Chair
Literacy Promotion
