SHAWANO, Wis (NBC 26) -- Since Covid-19 disrupted school for kids across the country, literacy skills have suffered. That's why NBC 26 and the Scripps-Howard Foundation have teamed up for our 3rd annual If You Give A Child A Book.... campaign.
Our program raises money to help put new books into the hands of local kids.
Hillcrest Primary School in Shawano has been selected as the recipient of our 2021 campaign.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, more than half of the students in the Shawano School District are classified as economically disadvantaged. The pandemic has made that need even greater.
"Results from our assessments were down greatly so that is providing us with gaps we need to fill. And again, these books would be so helpful to get in the hands of these kids, so that the opportunity they missed out on in virtual learning and covid effects will help us beef up these skills," says Troy Edwards, Hillcrest Primary School Principal.
All of the money raised in the 2021 campaign will go towards buying brand new books for the students at Hillcrest Primary.
"Reading out loud is the number one way to motivate kids to read at home, and school," says Kristin Going, the reading and literacy coach at Hillcrest Primary School.
"Channel 26 offering this gift to us that will definitely help their love of reading," she adds.
If you would like to donate to the "If You Give A Child A Book...." campaign click hereor test READ26 to 345-345. A donation of just $5 can buy one book that a student at Hillcrest Primary School can keep for a lifetime.
