This September, in honor of National Literacy Month, the KGUN 9 Giving Project has launched an initiative aimed at enhancing reading skills among elementary school students in Tucson. In partnership with the Scripps Howard Fund, the campaign titled “If You Give a Child a Book” seeks to raise funds to provide books for children at Title One schools, with a specific focus on Nash Elementary.
Supporting Local Students
According to Kaeli Erskine from the Scripps Howard Fund, “One hundred percent of the proceeds that are raised within the Tucson area stay within the Tucson area, and go right back to the students at Nash Elementary.” This initiative has been ongoing for several years, with the goal of providing each student with ten new books during two book fairs each school year.
Erskine emphasized the importance of consistency in partnerships, stating, “It’s really important to us that we stay within our same partner schools year over year so that the children can continue to build their own in-home libraries.” This focus on providing books is rooted in research indicating that when children receive ten new books annually, it significantly enhances their chances of academic success and literacy development.
Opening Doors to New Worlds
The implications of this campaign extend beyond just reading skills. Erskine noted, “Books can open windows or doors, and show kids places or imaginations that maybe they’ve never thought of or dreamed of before.” By ensuring access to a variety of books, the program aims to broaden the horizons of young students and inspire their creativity.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the campaign through donations. Contributions can be made via text by sending “KGUN” to 50155 or by visiting www.kgun9.com/giveabook. Every dollar raised will directly support the purchase of books for the students at Nash Elementary.
In a time when literacy is crucial for personal and academic growth, initiatives like this highlight the collective effort needed to support young learners. The opportunity to contribute to a child’s future through reading is not only impactful but essential for fostering a love of learning.
For further inquiries or to share story ideas, interested readers can connect with Pat Parris, anchor and reporter for KGUN 9, via email at [email protected] or through social media platforms.
