SESLOC is honored to have continued our partnership with KSBY News for a fourth year in a row in support of childhood literacy through the “If You Give a Child a Book…” campaign, a collaboration facilitated by the Scripps Howard Foundation. Together, from August 5 to September 15, the community, SESLOC members and SESLOC employee’s collective efforts resulted in the successful fundraising of $72,594.
Your generosity plays a crucial role in making a difference as childhood literacy undoubtedly stands as one of the top indicators of academic achievement. Statistics reveal that a child unable to read at grade level by the end of the third grade is four times less likely to graduate. What is even more alarming, is that research shows that 61% of students from low-income backgrounds possess no books in their households. It is in response to these pressing issues that the “If You Give a Child a Book…” campaign intervenes by ensuring that books are readily available to children who are most in need.
With the hope that the presence of books and the provision of dedicated reading time at home play a substantial part in augmenting literacy skills, the funds you helped raise will provide local students at Arellanes, Bonita, Lillian Larsen, and Oceano Elementary Schools the opportunity to each select seven books from a specially organized Scholastic bookfair scheduled for January. For many of these students, this will inaugurate their personal home libraries, fostering a love for reading and enhancing literacy among the young minds of the next generation. Thank you for helping us make a difference in students’ lives in our community!
