BUFFALO, N.Y. — Reading opens a world of possibilities for a child.
That is why 2 On Your Side is teaming up with Project Flight, The Buffalo News, and the Erie County Public Library for the Books for Kids Book Drive.
Books For Kids Book Drive is an annual campaign to collect NEW books to distribute to local children, who would not otherwise have a chance to own a book of their own.
Children who develop a love for books and reading gain a major foundation for success and well-being.
You can make a difference by donating New books to the Books For Kids Book Drive, September 9-22 at all Wegmans locations in Erie and Niagara Counties, all 37 Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries, and The Buffalo News at 726 Exchange Street, Buffalo, and all Paula's Donuts Locations.
Join 2 On Your Side on Friday, September 20th at the Wegmans on Sheridan Drive in Williamsville (5275 Sheridan Drive).
Individuals, companies, groups, and organizations are encouraged to stop by on September 20th, 5 a.m. to noon to meet 2 On Your Side personalities and donate new books.
2024 marks the twenty-eighth year of the Books For Kids literacy campaign founded by Project Flight local educators Dr. Geraldine Bard and Dr. Elizabeth Cappella.
Since 1995 Books for Kids has distributed over three million books to children in over 2,845 schools and agencies.
Capella said, "Children will learn to have a choice, they'll learn to dream about things that aren't maybe in their current environment. but if they see it in a book they say, I can do that, I can be that,".
To make a monetary donation, make checks payable to Books For Kids/Project Flight, mail to Project Flight, Books For Kids c/o Donations 7954 Transit Road, PMB 205, Buffalo, NY 14221. For more information visit ProjectFlight.org.
Books For Kids Book Drive is a partnership with Project Flight, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, The Buffalo News, and 2 On Your Side.
Suggested books:
Pre-School & Kindergarten - Wordless picture books, story picture books, alphabet, counting, rhyming, and animal stories.
Early Elementary (Grades 1-3) - Early Readers, informational, family stories, fables, poetry, classics, and multicultural books. Books with children helping others, problem-solving stories, and books with good role models.
Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)- Mysteries, sports stories, biographies, travel, science and world problem books.
Junior High (Grades 7-8) - Fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and general non-fiction.
Other good options include books that have won industry awards: The Caldecott Medal, The Newberry Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, The International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and The Carnegi Medal.