First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education, has announced that it has launched its second annual #GiveAMillion campaign designed to raise $1 million between now and December 31st to get 1 million new, high-quality books to the children that need them most this holiday season.
For the one in six children in the US living in poverty, the leading indicators of a child’s education success – book ownership and a print-rich environment – are hard to come by. For example, a study found that in one low-income neighborhood, there was only one book for more than 800 children1, while in more prosperous neighborhoods, there are 13 books for every child2.
Moreover, a First Book survey highlights that the educational crisis has been intensified by COVID-19. According to the study, there are two key factors contributing to this educational crisis: the mental/social-emotional health of kids and families and a widening digital divide making the need for resources even more critical. In fact, 81% of educators cited physical books as the #1 resource they would like to provide to their students during the crisis.
“As Charles W. Eliot once said, ‘Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.’ This is especially true today.” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO and co-founder of First Book. “As schools open and close with the COVID positivity rates, lack of access to resources for those learning virtually has become critical. Sharing new books with kids in need and creating opportunities for them to have their very own books can have an immeasurable impact. Raising $1 million to #GiveaMillion books this holiday season provides great stories during a difficult period but also provides a confidence boost and the academic opportunities that are priceless.”
Thanks to generous book donations and additional support from First Book’s publishing partners, the #GiveaMillion campaign will have the limited opportunity to gift a brand-new book directly to a child in need for just $1: $100 will support a classroom, $500 will support a grade level, $1,000 will support a school, and $5,000 will support an entire community. Visit firstbook.org/giveamillion for more information and to donate.
