Barnes & Noble Glenbrook is working with United Way of Allen County to get books to children in need this Christmas season. As part of its annual holiday book drive, Barnes & Noble Glenbrook has designated that all donated books will go to Learn United, a United Way reading initiative that focuses on improving reading skills for low-income children.
From now through December 31, 2008, customers can purchase books for Learn United and leave their donation with Barnes & Noble. Last year, customers donated approximately 2,700 books and United Way hopes that number can reach 3,500 this year.
“We have many children in this community who need good books,” said United Way President and CEO Jerry Peterson. “On average, the ratio of books in low-income neighborhoods is one for every 300 children; in middle and higher income neighborhoods, each child has an average of 13 books. Children can’t learn to read if they aren’t exposed to good books, so we must get books into the hands of all our children.”
United Way will distribute books through many programs that serve children in need. Programs include those offered by the Fort Wayne Urban League, Study Connection, Early Childhood Alliance, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Allen County Education Partnership, Blessings in a Backpack and more.
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