APPLETON, Wis (NBC 26) -- Studies show the ability to read can help lift children out of poverty. That's why NBC 26 and the Scripps-Howard Foundation are committed to increasing literacy for children in need.
Monday, August 31st kicks of our annual "If You Give A Child A Book..." campaign. It strives to help bridge those cabs by donating new books to children who need them most.
Last year NBC 26 donated nearly 700 blocks to Lincoln Elementary School in Green Bay.
Today we're introducing you to this year's recipient, Jefferson Elementary School in Appleton.
"Around 40 percent of our students are reading under grade level proficiency that could be slightly under to significantly behind," says Lindsay Johnson, K-6th grade literacy coach at Jefferson Elementary School.
Of the nearly 400 students who attend the Title-1 school, the majority of them are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
"I think some of the struggles come from, sometimes the lack of materials," Lindsay Adds.
After Jefferson Elementary School closed due to Covid-19 back in March, teachers sent each student home with 10 to 15 books each to help them keep on their reading path.
But more than 5 months later most of those books never made it back to school.
The "If You Give A Child A Book..." campaign hopes to replenish what they've lost.
Erin Breed, a Jefferson Elementary school mom says the school could use the hand-up from the community to help get students excited about reading.
"This gift is amazing to replenish [the lost books] it because there will be more choices. Because it's hard to say 'I'm sorry we only have two books of a series because the rest of them never came back.' So this would be a huge gift."
This year two of her girls will be in 3rd and 4th grade at Jefferson. She says getting new books into the student's hands will be a much-needed boost.
"There's something about introducing something new. So as a parent I love that option and that will be so fun for the kids."
This year, NBC 26 is reaching out to collect more donations for the campaign. If you donate now every dollar you give will be matched by the Scripps-Howard Foundation up to $5,000.Click here to find out how to donate.
To learn more about the "If You Give A Child A Book..." campaign, click here.
