POTTSTOWN PA – An anonymous donor, interested in enhancing and expanding childhood literacy, has presented the Pottstown chapter of the NAACP with a sizable gift and asked it “to give books to Pottstown children of color from birth to age 8,” the chapter stated Friday (Oct. 27, 2023) in its monthly newsletter.
The donation is likely to enable the chapter to distribute thousands of books. “We have accepted the challenge. With enthusiasm!,” it added. The project is being called the “Pottstown NAACP Road to Reading.”
Chapter President Johnny Corson indicated its interest in the task was in part inspired by the sense of wonder that reading instills in children.
“A book can teach you whatever you want to know,” Corson said. “It can make you anything you want to be and take you anywhere you want to go. You can be a firefighter or a nurse, a king or a queen. A book can take you to the moon and back.”
The chapter has sought assistance from the Literacy Council of Norristown, which it asked to help select and but books. It’s also looking for local businesses and other locations that would be willing to host a distribution bookshelf.
“We hope to engage with other organizations who can help us get the word, and the books, out to kids,” Corson explained. “We need small bookshelves. And we will be seeking volunteers.”
Five such volunteers – Annette Kobb, Paula Corson, Kerry Pidcock-Lester, and Bob and Sandy Bauers – were in attendance Oct. 21 (Saturday) at the YWCA Tri-County Area’s “Week Without Violence” Block Party on King Street. They helped children there choose “books, books, and more books” (at top) to take home. More than 200 books were distributed, which the chapter believes is a sign of bigger things to come.
Anyone who has an interest in offering help, or who has ideas to grow the distribution effort, is asked to call Bob and Sandy Bauers at 610-327-1213.
Photo by Travels With The Post
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