MENDOTA - For the second year, former Mendotan Jennifer (Foulk) Bast is partnering with the Graves-Hume Public Library to provide free books for children this holiday season.
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Graves-Hume Public Library employees Sandy Collings, left, and Chris Beetz take part in last year’s book give away during the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Mendota Christmas” event.(Photo contributed)
MENDOTA - For the second year, former Mendotan Jennifer (Foulk) Bast is partnering with the Graves-Hume Public Library to provide free books for children this holiday season. With funds raised during an upcoming Holiday Book Drive, all children who visit Santa at this November’s “Mendota Christmas” will receive an Usborne Book following their visit. The books will be distributed at a booth set up in the First State Bank parking lot by employees of the Graves-Hume Public Library.
Bast, who grew up in Mendota, was very pleased with the success of last year’s inaugural event. “It was so heart warming to see the gift of literacy given during the holiday season,” she said.
Connie Beetz, Graves-Hume Public Library Director, agreed saying the library looks forward to helping with the distribution of books again this year. In fact, she said Sandy Collings and Chris Beetz, who handed out books at the booth last year, have already volunteered for this year’s event.
With the holiday season right around the corner, Bast is now asking for the public’s support. Over the next month, the goal is to raise $3,300, which will be combined with 50 percent matching donation from Usborne Books & More, providing local residents with almost $5,000 in books for children.
Why the free books? Unfortunately, our nation is in a literacy crisis. Research shows that 100 percent of kindergarteners report wanting to read for fun. By 4th grade, that number drops to 54 percent. And by high school, it plummets to 19 percent. The good news is there are simple things we can do to help.
Book ownership matters. A 20-year global study revealed that children who had 500+ books in their home completed an average 3.2 more years of education AND made on average an extra $21,145 more per year.
In partnership with the Graves-Hume Public Library, Bast hopes to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading at a young age in our youth. “I do not want to see our children fall to these statistics. It is our hope that each child attending the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Mendota Christmas’ will go home with a free book!” Bast said. “Each $25 donation will provide two to three children with a new book, a simple way to give back to these little ones and ensure they have a new book in time for the holidays. I hope you'll have the opportunity to partner with us in making a difference for these amazing children.”
The fundraising drive will launch for 48 hours only on Thursday, Sept. 21. Donations can be made directly at https://www.youcaring.com/childrenofmendotil-895620. All donations are tax deductible.
