13 ON YOUR SIDE has partnered with Storytime in the Park and Summer Reading Celebrations to present literacy events in Grand Rapids area parks.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Children in low-income families face many barriers to success, one of which is simply having access to age-appropriate books within their homes.
13 On Your Side is hoping to do something about that, especially during the summer months when kids often lose their reading skills to so-called “summer slide.”
The station has partnered with Storytime in the Park and Summer Reading Celebrations to present literacy events in Grand Rapids area parks. The one at Garfield Park is every Tuesday, all summer long.
Each week, children have a chance to select a free book, enjoy a summer treat and other activities.
Many of the books that are being handed out have been purchased through funding provided by local organizations and businesses. Independent bank wrote a $5,000 check. President Brad Keller said it was an easy decision, one that supports the bank’s commitment to serving the community.
“By the programs that we’re talking about here today,” said Keller, “actually putting books in the hands of kids, especially during that summer period, where maybe we have a tendency to turn our brains off and not think so much, but what a great opportunity to fill the gap.”
The Kent County Toys for Tots program chipped in another $5,000. In fact, Toys for Tots has invested more than $20,000 over two years to ensure children in Grand Rapids experience the joy and dignity of a new book. Nationally, Toys for Tots has literacy as one if its year-round outreach initiatives. The program distributed 4.1 million books last year and more than 57-MILLION since it began in 2008. Kent County spokesman Jeff DeJonge said the fact that one-in-four children grow up in America without learning how to read is a big motivator. “Not being able to read can lead to social disadvantages, being able to talk to people. Being able to grow in their education and stuff,” said DeJonge. “Impoverished people are also in a book desert. There’s one book for every 300 kids in less-advantaged areas.”
Grand Rapids Literacy Events
June 4 – August 27 Garfield Park
July 16 – Roosevelt Park
August 13 – Mulick Park
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