CHAMBLEE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta News First hosted a “Books to Kids” event Thursday at Dresden Elementary School in Chamblee, handing out 3,035 books.
“It’s invaluable,” said sponsor Ken Nugent from Ken Nugent – Attorneys at Law.
Nugent started Books to Kids a decade ago in Valdosta and has watched it grow over the years.
“We want to be sure that we get a book in every kid’s hands, so that they can not only learn to read, but acquire a great amount of skill in reading,” Nugent said.
ANF anchors and meteorologists answered questions and handed out books, pushing the total to more than 90,000 books given away.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Atlanta News First delivers ‘Books to Kids’ at Riverside Elementary School
We can’t do this without the help of our sponsors: Ken Nugent – Attorneys at Law, Troncalli Subaru & Subaru of Kennesaw, Delta Community Credit Union, McDonald’s, Page Turners Make Great Learners, Two Men and A Truck, Georgia State University and the Georgia Department of Education.
The facts are clear: If kids aren’t proficient at reading by third grade, odds are they never catch up. That is why these handouts are an educational lifeline.
“It’s really important because most of my students speak Spanish and English, and their parents don’t have access to books at home,” said Principal Lauren Pells.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Atlanta News First gives out ‘Books to Kids’ at College Park Elementary
There was also a special book and a special guest.
“It’s about a real, live, hospitality pet,” said McDonald’s operator Mark Mines, holding up the book “Betty Lou Tours America.” They call her the chief happiness officer.
Betty Lou could not be at the event today. So, her buddy Mabel acted as a stand-in.
“Reading leads to understanding, leads to knowledge, leads to civic involvement,” Nugent said.
MORE COVERAGE:
Atlanta News First delivers books to kids at Rockbridge Elementary School
Atlanta News First’s ‘Books to Kids’ visits Lee Street Elementary in Jonesboro
Atlanta News First launches annual Books to Kids campaign in metro Atlanta schools
Atlanta therapy dog subject of new children’s book
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
This post was originally published on here
