Books for Collier Kids (BCK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a steady stream of new books to children in low-income families throughout Collier County, is pleased to announce that the charity received a $13,950 grant from The League Club, Inc. “As a result of The League Club’s generous support, Books for Collier Kids will provide approximately 5,600 books to 560 children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first – and second-grades at two elementary schools during the 2018-2019 academic year,” explains Board Chair Sallie Williams. “But, what’s most important about this funding is that the 10 books each child receives helps to improve their academic experience, and success in school and life, opens new worlds to them, establishes their personal libraries and a life-long love of reading.” The nonprofit, volunteer-run organization already provides books to disadvantaged children (pre-k through second grade) in another sixteen School District of Collier County Title I elementary schools, donating more than 75,000 new, high-quality books to at-risk students annually. The funds, part of $327,920 awarded from its Community Trust Fund during an April 5, 2018, breakfast, allow BCK to provide new, high-quality, age- and curriculum appropriate books to students in two new Title I schools in Collier County. The League Club is a 501(c)(3) organization of Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The League Club women have also contributed thousands of volunteer hours in various areas. Members have served on numerous agency boards, worked in childcare and adult centers, with the illiterate and homeless, in conservation and arts groups and in churches. For more information, visit www.leagueclub.org. Liz Winebrenner, President of The League Club, stated, “We are pleased and grateful to be able to give so much to help our community partners raise the quality of life for residents in Collier and Lee counties. We thank our 600 members, Circle of Friends supporters, the community member who support our events, and our business sponsors. Their financial generosity and caring for the community are what enable us to make these grants.” The mission of Books for Collier Kids is to provide new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy: access to books. Launched in 2005 as First Book-Collier County, Books for Collier Kids has distributed more than one million new, high-quality, age-appropriate and personalized books to pre-K, kindergarten, first- and second-grade students in-need to transform children’s lives. The nonprofit organization partners with more than 20 local organizations, including Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Christ Child Society of Naples, Grace Place, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Friends of Foster Care, the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County and Guadalupe Center. Books for Collier Kids: • Addresses one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books – by providing children from low-income families a new, high-quality, age-appropriate book, complete with their name inside the cover once a month throughout the academic year. • Ensures more than 7,500 Pre-K through second grade children that live below the federal poverty line have access to books and can build their home libraries. • Addresses “summer slide” reading concerns through a summer program, ensuring students don’t fall behind in their reading skills during the break. For more information on Books for Collier Kids, please visit www.booksforcollierkids.org, or call Sallie Williams, Board Chair at 239-394-4062.