The holiday season is a time filled with giving to make the world a better place. Literacy initiatives such as Build A Kid’s Library and Garcia’s Book Pillows are two of the many ways you can make the world a better place, by supporting literacy and ensuring that every child has access to books.

Karter’s Book Box

Karter’s program is Build A Kid’s Library, his mission is bringing the community together to put books in the homes of Detroit kids.

For families living in poverty, books are a luxury purchase outweighed by basic living expenses. More than half of families living in poverty don’t have children’s books in their homes. Together you and I can give a child the fun, mystery, and adventure that will change their lives by building their home library of at least 12 books by the end of 2022. Visit www.buildakidslibrary.org to learn more.

Why does Literacy Matter?

Literacy is important for everyone, but it has a special significance for children. It determines how successful they will be in school and in life. Children who can’t read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school. undefined How many children are not reading on grade level?

Of the students who start third grade unable to read at grade level, only 43 % will graduate from high school. (“Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children,” National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2000). 

A recent study found that children who don’t read well by third grade are more than three times as likely to drop out of high school.

Supporting Literacy in Your Community: Garcia’s Book Pillows

This particular cause supports children’s ability to improve their reading and have a restful night’s sleep while giving back to those less fortunate. 

This box was created with their peers in mind. Did you know that homelessness has risen more than 50% in many states within the last six years. This has a profound impact on children’s ability to read well and have a restful night’s sleep.

Garcia’s Book Pillows wants to change that. We would like to support our fellow peers who are homeless or in foster care with comfort to rest easier through the power of reading.

Connect with these two great causes to help spread the holiday cheer this season!