Book drive fundraiser to benefit Mendota youth

Staff
Posted 9/24/20

MENDOTA - Our nation is in a literacy crisis. Although 100 percent of Kindergarteners report wanting to read for fun, by 4th grade that number drops to 54 percent. And by high school, that number is at a staggering 19 percent. The good news is there are simple things we can do to help.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Book drive fundraiser to benefit Mendota youth

Posted

MENDOTA - Our nation is in a literacy crisis. Although 100 percent of Kindergarteners report wanting to read for fun, by 4th grade that number drops to 54 percent. And by high school, that number is at a staggering 19 percent. The good news is there are simple things we can do to help.

Book ownership matters! A 20-year global study showed that children who have plenty of books in their home complete more education and earn more per year.

In partnership with the Graves-Humes Public library, Jennifer Bast (Foulk) hopes to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading at a young age in local youth so they do not fall to these statistics. 

Bast is asking the community to join her and Graves-Hume Public Library in supporting the families of Mendota through the chamber’s event “Mendota Christmas.” They hope that each child attending this event will go home with a free book. Each $25 donation will provide 2-3 children with a new book, a simple way to give back to the little ones and ensure they have a new book in time for the holidays.

Over the next month, the goal is to raise $3,000. Combined with 50 percent donation matching from Usborne Books & More, this will provide the City of Mendota with $4,500 in books for the children. With just 120 donations of $25, this goal can be reached.

Donations can be made at

https://www.gofundme.com/manage/dt5bnr-books-for-mendota. All donations are tax deductible.

“I hope you’ll have the opportunity to partner with us in making a difference for these amazing children,” Bast said. “Thank you so much for considering this fundraiser.”