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OOKS IN A BAG

Studies show that reading to a child, especially early learners, is the single most important thing a parent can do to help the child acquire language, develop a love of learning and prepare for school - leading to  greater academic success.

Often, children in low-income families lack access to books.  These families are struggling to pay for rent, utilities and food, so books are far down on the list of must-have items.

To address this need, the Bergen Volunteer Center's Business Volunteer Council, has kicked off its annual Books in a Bag campaign.  The goal of the program is to collect 10,000 NEW books between January 19 - March 24, 2016 for children from pre-school to high school.  The books will be distributed to pre-school aged children of low income families, as well as youth served by the Bergen Volunteer Center’s Bergen Mentors program, which provides mentors to children and families in need.

On Read Across America Day March 2nd, which also commemorates Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s March birthday, a portion of the books collected through the campaign will be delivered and read to children by dozens of corporate volunteers. Books will also be donated to the Big Book Give Away, a free book fair children of low income families, sponsored by the Bergen Volunteer Center. Companies or individuals are invited to help bring the magic of reading to a child in need. Books in a Bag is an onsite volunteer project perfect for any business.  Participating companies receive a toolkit with detailed educational material and instructions on successfully implementing the program.  For more information, contact Maureen Cameron, Chief Philanthropic Officer, 201-489-9454, ext. 204 or mcameron@bergenvolunteers.org

Online book orders will be shipped to the Bergen Volunteer Center and assembled in backpacks on site to be delivered to children in Northern New Jersey.  The deadline for ordering books is March 24, 2016.

“Since 2000, 87,000 books have been distributed to 16,000 children in low-income families through Books in a Bag”, says Erica West, Director of Corporate Engagement at the Bergen Volunteer Center. “Getting involved in this initiative is a great way for a company make a direct and immediate impact for the community.  As Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. And that’s the message we inspire all the children to embrace through this program.”