This April, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Literacy Program will launch an initiative to collect new and gently used books, with the Lawrenceburg Police Department serving as a designated drop-off location. This effort aims to benefit students in kindergarten through third grade, a critical period for their reading development. Research from the National Research Council highlights the importance of this stage, indicating that children who do not achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade face significantly diminished chances of academic success. In fact, these students are four times more likely to drop out of high school compared to their proficient peers.
Reading lays the foundation for a child’s educational journey, making it essential to provide them with access to books. Encouraging summer reading can help reinforce the skills learned throughout the school year and assist in retaining new knowledge before the next academic year begins. All books collected through this initiative will be distributed to local organizations in Lawrence County, including A Kid’s Place, The Shelter, and LawCo Kids, ensuring that a wide array of children will benefit from these donations.
The Lawrenceburg Police Department will accept book donations throughout the entire month of April. The program is specifically seeking new or gently used books suitable for children in kindergarten through third grade. By participating in this initiative, you have the opportunity to positively impact a child’s life, one book at a time.