During National Reading Month, Star City Middle School students got involved in promoting literacy in the area by helping the local Toys for Tots Literacy Program collect books for its annual spring book drive.
All the students were smiling as they carried books out of the school and packed the Toys for Tots car, according to a news release.
“It is very important for youth to have access to books in order to improve their imagination and literacy,” said Star City Middle School educator Krista Cotton, who helped encourage the students.
They collected 228 books for the local Toys for Tots program covering Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.
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“I’m extremely impressed with their efforts,” said Toys for Tots Coordinator Matthew Yarnell. “With their contribution, we’ve been able to collect approximately 1,300 books for our Spring Literacy Campaign so far. These books that they collected are earmarked for our local libraries and will enhance our Summer Reading Programs.
“Through their efforts, these students have exemplified the primary motto of (the) United States Marine Corps Reserve Youth Ambassador Program ‘Children helping children’ – those that have gone above and beyond in their communities to help those less fortunate than themselves, while also engaging community members on behalf of Toys for Tots. And I, as a U.S. Navy veteran and as a civilian coordinator for the USMCR Toys for Tots Program, salute them and say, thank you,” Yarnell said.
Through community support of the literacy program, children receive age-appropriate books and learning materials that help build confidence, expand knowledge and open doors to endless possibilities. A book isn’t just a gift. It’s a doorway to dreams being fulfilled, according to the release.
“And while a primary focus of the program is aimed toward economically disadvantaged and/or at-risk youth,” Yarnell said, “I personally consider all youth at-risk when dealing with the topic of literacy, especially since educational difficulties such as dyslexia impact youth of all economic levels. Therefore, I encourage youth, (ages) 0-18, to be involved in the reading programs through their local libraries this summer. Those who participate will have the opportunity to choose a free book.”
Toys for Tots is currently seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books and Christian fiction and non-fiction for ages 0-18. Books in a new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Herald Office, Rison Pharmacy, Star City Hardware, JB Speedy Burger, Fordyce O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, Ephesus Bookstore, McFarland Eye Care, Cablelynx, and Oliver Furniture.
The program also accepts toys, games, puzzles and other donations. Checks, cashier’s checks or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to TfT Coordinator Matthew Yarnell, P.O. Box 199, Rison, Ark., 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Herald Office, Triple Cross Restaurant, or Rison United Methodist Church. You can also donate online. All donations are tax-deductible.