WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Several boxes were filled with books in Wilkes-Barre to help students improve their reading skills over the summer.
United Way of Wyoming Valley hosted its 10th annual Children`s Book Drive.
They expected to collect 10,000 gently used books from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
The books collected will be distributed to early learning centers, schools, and other children service providers across the Wyoming Valley.
The book drive helps students practice grade level reading during the summertime.
"Well you know that there's a lot of children in the community that don't have access to books so I think this is such an important opportunity for us to give back to the community," expressed Sara Peperno, President/CEO, United Way of Wyoming Valley.
"It's important to give kids from all areas equitable opportunity to be able to read and gain an education and this might also inspire some people to enjoy reading and find a new passion," added Abi Francis, treasurer, pages for progress, Wyoming Area High School.
The annual children's book drive is part of the "Tag in" summer reading program in the wilkes-barre area school district.
It encourages kids from kindergarten to third grade to keep practicing their reading skills over the summer with their families.
