Online Book Drive Benefits At-Risk Students in Greater Hartford Public Schools
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The West Hartford Rotary Club donated $1,000 to kick off the eighth annual Greater Hartford Holiday Book Drive, which purchases new books for local at-risk students. From left: Kyle Egress, Rotary Club president; Ronni Breiter, Children’s Reading Partners program coordinator; and Bennett Forrest of The Miale Team at Keller Williams, who chairs the drive. Courtesy photo
The annual book drive runs through Dec. 31, 2021.
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Children’s Reading Partners, the West Hartford Rotary Club, and The Miale Team at Keller Williams have joined forces for the eighth annual Greater Hartford Holiday Book Drive, which runs through Dec. 31. The drive, which is virtual again this year, provides new books to preschool and elementary students who participate in Children’s Reading Partners’ volunteer literacy programs across the region.
“Over the past seven years, we’ve collected or purchased more than 9,000 books for kids in our programs,” said Bennett Forrest of The Miale Team, who chairs the drive. “This year, one hundred percent of online donations will go to buy new books for students and classrooms in our programs. We’d like to raise at least $7,000.”
“Many of the children in our programs don’t own a book of their own or have many books available in their homes,” added Children’s Reading Partners Program Coordinator Ronni Breiter. “Having a book to call their own builds motivation and instills reading confidence.”
The West Hartford Rotary Club kicked off the drive with a donation of $1,000. “We’re pleased to be a partner again this year,” said Rotary Club President Kyle Egress. “It’s gratifying to be able to make a difference in the lives of local kids in need.”
Administered by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, Children’s Reading Partners serves at-risk students in the Greater Hartford area. The program provides one-on-one mentoring services during the school year as well as through preschool readiness and summer enrichment programs.
To donate to the Holiday Book Drive, visit bit.ly/2021HolidayBookDrive. To learn more about Children’s Reading Partners, visit www.childrensreadingpartners.org or visit @love4literacy on Facebook.
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