Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation Provides Books for Collier Kids

Books for Collier Kids (BCK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a steady stream of new books to children in low-income families throughout Collier County, was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation, Inc. (Logos available upon request).

“Books for Collier Kids is deeply grateful for this generous Elizabeth K. Galeana Charitable Foundation grant that will help us provide new books every month to children of low-income families in 60 classrooms for an entire year,” explains Chair Sallie Williams. “That’s an entire year of spurring creativity, expanding horizons, building literacy skills, bonding with loved ones and improving the academic success of children across our community!”

According to the School District, 68.42% of students have been designated “economically disadvantaged” across all schools, with more than half speaking a language other than English at home and 15% having limited English proficiency. Without a steady stream of books in the home, these children are at higher risk for academic failure, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment, low productivity and welfare dependency.

Books for Collier Kids provides new books to children in-need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy: access to books. Launched in 2005 as First Book-Collier County, the charity has distributed more than 1.8 million new, high-quality, age-appropriate and personalized books to pre-K, kindergarten, first- and second-grade students to enhance their literacy development.

The all-volunteer charity partners with more than 20 local organizations, including the Collier County Public Schools, Fostering Success, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Guadalupe Center, Grace Place for Children and Families and Christ Child Society of Naples. A full $.91 of every dollar donated is spent on books for Collier kids.

For more information, please call Sallie Williams, Board Chair at 239-394-4062. To learn more about Books for Collier Kids and explore the refreshed site, visit BooksforCollierKids.org.