Write a commentDeveloping literacy skills in children at a young age is essential. Reading not only helps them succeed in school, it introduces them to a world of knowledge and imagination that they may enjoy for a lifetime.
To help promote literacy for our youth the Literacy Coalition of Oswego County is hosting a book drive for youth. Now through Saturday, May 11, the agency is accepting donations of gently used books that would be of interest to toddlers through teens. The books will be distributed to during the Oswego Independence Day Parade and the Fulton Memorial Day Parade.
"Over the years, we have given away hundreds of books to area youth," said Melanie Trexler, executive director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County. "We are proud to be a part of The Literacy Coalition and are dedicated to helping our youth thrive by enhancing their learning experience."
Chairperson for the book drive, Jennifer Cook, of Assemblyman Will Barclay's office, echoed the importance of reading and the positive impact it has on a child's future.
"By providing youth with books we are doing much more than promoting literacy; we are preparing children for kindergarten, increasing test scores and graduation rates, and helping our youth discover the joy of reading and the wonder of imagination," Cook said.
Comprised of more than 36 local organizations, the Literacy Coalition of Oswego County is focused on improving literacy in Oswego County by addressing literacy needs of people of all ages. "Strong literacy skills – the ability to read, write, speak, compute, and solve problems – are essential for individuals and families to succeed in our community," said Jon Spaulding, Literacy Coalition member and publisher of the Palladium-Times. "With this in mind, the Literacy Coalition of Oswego County is dedicated to supporting and expanding literacy services so that people can work, our economy can grow, families can thrive. Our Book Drive for Youth is just one of the many projects we do."
Donations of gently used books for children and teens may be dropped off at the following locations:
In Oswego:
Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
44 E. Bridge St. Oswego,
Sen. Patty Ritchie's Office
46 E. Bridge St., Oswego
Palladium Times Office
140 W. First St., Oswego
Oswego City School District Office
East First Street, Oswego
In Fulton:
United Way Office
1 South First Street, Fulton
(Inside Community Bank)
Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Suite 12, Canalview Mall, Fulton
Fulton School District Office
167 S. Fourth St., Fulton
Assemblyman Will Barclay's Office
200 North Second Street, Fulton
Eastern Shore Associates
Main Office, Cayuga St., Fulton
Cayuga Community College
Fulton Campus
In Minetto:
Minetto Fire Department
Arrangements for pick-up can be made for donations of large quantities of books. For more information on the book drive, contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900.
