The goal is to reach 10,000 books, said First Union representative Lori Beshears. Later this week, volunteers will sort the collected books into reading levels. The books will then be distributed through the foundation to all the family literacy nights. We try to connect our partners to where the needs are in the schools. The book drive was started to put books into children's homes, Foundation members said.
Educators know the importance of parents reading to their children.
But some families can't afford to buy books. The book drive and family literacy night are great ways to give families what they need, said Manatee Elementary Principal Debbie Minch. It gets that much more reading materials into the home. Governor Jeb Bush and his parents, former president George Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush, will be in Naples on Monday for the Celebration of Reading program. The Bush family will be joined by best-selling authors Robin Cook, R.L. Stine and Susan Orlean to present a reading, while emphasizing the role that early literacy development plays in a child's readiness for school.