Submitted by the South Sound Reading Foundation
South Sound students collected 13,686 children’s books during the South Sound Reading Foundation’s annual Grand Slam Book Drive. This breaks 2009’s previously held record of 12,793! Congratulations are in order for all participating schools, but as a reward for collecting the most new and gently used books, Chambers Prairie Elementary students will be visited by the Mariner Moose for a Grand Slam Literacy Assembly. For collecting the most books per student, Griffin Schools wins an Ice Cream Social for 100 students.
Donated books will be distributed to low-income children, youth and families in Thurston and Mason counties through the Foundation’s literacy programs and through partnerships they have with other programs, organizations and services serving low-income families.
“We’d like to thank all twenty schools that participated in this year’s Grand Slam Book Drive,” says new Books Coordinator, Ellen Jilek. “Kids, librarians, and teachers alike, we appreciate each and every one of your book donations! This will help us meet our community’s need for books and free literacy programming.”
The South Sound Reading Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes early childhood and community literacy in Thurston and Mason counties. SSRF accepts gently used and new children’s books year-round. Donations can be dropped off at 305 College St. NE in Lacey. For more information about our organization, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please call (360) 412-4585, e-mail read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us or visit our website at http://readingfoundation.org/south-sound-chapter/.
Participating Schools:
- Chambers Prairie 3145
- Griffin School 2533
- Michael T. Elem. 1380
- Lincoln Elem. 1306
- Seven Oaks Elem. 1096
- Horizons Elem. 992
- South Bay Elem. 933
- Komachin MS 506
- Ridgeline MS 383
- Lakes Elem. 325
- Tenino MS 238
- Pleasant Glade 229
- River Ridge HS 209
- North Thurston HS 161
- Rainier School District 65
- Mill Pond Elem. 64
- Capital HS 53
- Bush MS 47
- Evergreen Elem. 21