Help United Way Give Children Summer Reading Books

United Way’s Virtual Book Drive Gives San Diego Children Summer Reading Books

Fourth grade is a critical year.  It is when children switch from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”  At least that should be the case.

With over a quarter of the county’s fourth graders not reading proficiently and over half of San Diego’s students considered “economically disadvantaged,” United Way of San Diego County will host its second annual Virtual Book Drive for local children up to age eight, to foster a love of reading and learning for long-term success.

United Way’s Virtual Book Drive will be held on March 18 to 30, with the goal of purchasing 48,000 summer reading books.  The bilingual books cost only $2.50 each, and individuals and companies are encouraged to make any size donation at the online “bookstore” at http://www.UWSD.org or by texting “BOOKS” to 41444.

“Without access to books during the summer months, many of these families would not have any reading material,” said Shaina Gross, United Way’s vice president, impact strategies and mobilization.  In 2012, the Virtual Book Drive raised enough funds to purchase 21,500 bilingual books for low-income children throughout the county.

Proceeds from the book drive will buy five different books: “Are You My Mother?”/ “¿Eres Tú Mi Mama?”; “Gossie”/ “Gansi”; and “A Birthday Box”/ “Mi Caja de Cumpleaños” for children up to age three and “Big, Big Wall”/ “No Puedo Bajar” and “Daniel’s Mystery Egg”/ “El Misterioso Huevo de Daniel” for children ages four to eight.

Each child will receive their own book, a bookmark with an inspirational note and reading tips parents can use to encourage the love of reading.  The books will be distributed through United Way’s partners.

A donation of $20 will buy books for eight young San Diego readers.  Donations of $50, $100 or even $1,000 will make an even bigger impact and create more happy readers.

The drive will culminate with United Way’s annual Day of Action, sponsored by Geico, on Friday, June 21, where volunteers will help package the books and write notes to kids.

About United Way of San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways around the world. Locally, United Way is creating sustainable change in the areas of education, income, health and homelessness.  In addition to the Bright Futures financial self-sufficiency initiative, we are leading the effort to end chronic homelessness through Home Again, a public engagement campaign, and Project 25, which focuses on the most costly and vulnerable homeless individuals.  United Way is a key partner in a number of Education initiatives throughout the county.  We harness the collective power of nonprofits, community leaders and thousands of individuals to create change by giving, advocating and volunteering.  LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved. To learn more, visit http://www.uwsd.org, our Blog, Facebook and Twitter.