Massachusetts Credit Unions Gear Up for Children's Book Drive
March 20, 2017
The Massachusetts Credit Union Social Responsibility Committee will kick off a month-long children's book drive on April 1; coincidentally, the same day National Credit Union Youth Month gets underway.
Last year, 36 Mass. credit unions, working with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, collected and distributed 13,661 children's books to non-profit agencies in cities and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Since 2001, CCUA Mass.-affiliated credit unions have donated more than 295,813 books and this year, the hope is to reach a milestone of 300,000.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents start reading out loud to their children from the time they are born, which can improve language skills, foster literacy development and create nurturing relationships important to a child's intellectual and social development. Reading is one of the easiest ways to prevent future learning problems and yet, many people do not understand the enormous, positive impact that this simple act has on the life of a child.
In addition to these tangible health benefits, reading is fun! Early reading for children helps them view books as an indulgence, not a chore. Those that begin reading early are much more likely to choose books over video games, television and other forms of entertainment as they grow older.
Your credit union can help by collecting new and used children's books from members and staff. Not only is it easy to start the process, but the effort is small and the rewards are great.
To sign up for the book drive, click HERE. The registration deadline is Friday, March 24.
For further information, contact Sue Gurley at the CCUA office at 800.842.1242 or sgurley@ccua.org.