One organization is working to put books into the hands of children across Alabama and, hopefully, instill a lifelong love of reading.
BookWorks is Alabama Goodwill’s early literacy program focused on Title I schools, head start and communities where access to books at home is limited.
After books are donated at Alabama Goodwill stores and donation sites, they will be sorted, cleaned, labeled and prepared for distribution.
Volunteers will visit head start centers, daycare center and elementary schools to conduct reading-time sessions for students and then hand the books out.
They will also accept monetary donations that will be used to purchase new, age appropriate books.
Goodwill Alabama says early childhood literacy is critical to brain development, confidence and long-term academic success. They add that children who have books at home and are read to regularly are more prepared for kindergarten and more likely to succeed later in school.
“At Alabama Goodwill, we believe literacy is the first step toward long-term self-sufficiency and future workforce success,” the organization said.
Alabama Goodwill has been champion for early literacy for several years now.
In 2023, they partnered with the Scottsboro Public Library for a community book giveaway while helping families sign children up for library cards.
A year later, they distributed 1,500 books to the Birmingham Public Library, Better Basics and the Mississippi Action for Progress head start program.
Alabama Goodwill is looking for volunteers in the community to sort books, read to children or both.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit alabamagoodwill.org.
