Dozens of Valley businesses participate in May #GrowAReader virtual book drive
Southwest Human Development’s annual Grow A Reader virtual book drive ensures that kids in low-income communities receive the books they need to succeed in school.
For families who struggle to make ends meet, purchasing new books simply does not compete with priorities like providing food, clothing and shelter. Children without access to early literacy materials often face challenges as they enter school and prepare for their education.
Three out of every five children in low-income communities don’t have a single children’s book to call their own. More than a dozen local businesses are participating in Southwest Human Development’s annual Grow A Reader virtual book drive to change that statistic.
Last year, Southwest Human Development’s virtual book drive helped get thousands of books into the hands of kids. This year, businesses are teaming up once again hoping to multiply their impact.
Donating to the Grow A Reader virtual book drive is simple. People can visit a participating Grow A Reader business location, “pick a flower” and purchase books online at swhd.org/GAR to help get children’s books into the hands of kids who need them most. Books start at only $3.99 and are also eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit of up to $800.
Donated books are distributed to families in need who participate in Southwest Human Development’s early literacy programs like Raising A Reader, a program that focuses on strengthening family literacy routines and community literacy connections, and Reach Out and Read, a national, evidence-based program that promotes early literacy in pediatric offices.
Special thank you to our media partners Arizona Foodie, The Real Housewife of Scottsdale and Yay Baby!, and participating Grow A Reader businesses including Camelback Toyota, Copper Star Coffee, Even Stevens Sandwiches, FEZ, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, HobNob’s, Joe’s Diner, MOD Pizza, My Slice of the Pie Pizzeria, Picazzo’s, Short Leash Hot Dogs + Rollover Doughnuts and Spinato’s Pizzeria.
Stop by one of our favorite local businesses to pick a flower, buy a book, and Grow A Reader!
Is your business interested in joining the Grow A Reader campaign? Download our business information sheet to learn more.
Questions? Contact Annette Sutfin at (602) 633-8416 or asutfin@swhd.org.
Books purchased through the Grow A Reader campaign are not delivered to the purchaser. Funds donated through the online shopping cart are pooled to purchase books at discounted rates and are distributed to families in need who participate in Southwest Human Development’s early literacy programs like Raising A Reader and Reach Out and Read.