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Toys for Tots Book Drive
For more than 70 years, Toys for Tots has been bringing smiles to the faces of needy children through the gift of a new toy. While Toys for Tots is committed to this tradition and continues its toy program, it is extending its reach through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program by providing children in need with the tools that can help them break the cycle of poverty.
The mission of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program is to offer our nation's most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively.
While getting a shiny new toy can certainly brighten a child's world, it doesn't provide long-lasting benefits or enable that child to break the cycle of poverty. The number of children living in poverty continues to increase. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, more than 14 million children live in poverty.
Additionally, the Handbook of Early Literacy Research reveals that in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is one age-appropriate book for every 300 children and according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 33 % of all fourth graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level. There is a need in or near every community.
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is designed to benefit economically disadvantaged children from preschool through high school. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program only accepts new, unwrapped children's books. Books should be for grades K-6. Their goal is to deliver a message of hope and instill self-confidence to children in need. A gift of a new book is the best means of accomplishing this goal.
Because we have been helping clean out your closets the last several years with the WDTL Gold Coat Drive, the WDTL Community Service Committee is excited to try something different this holiday season. Please join WDTL as we kick off this new winter community service initiative. Donations can be dropped off and/or shipped to Maggie Sweeney at Betts, Patterson and Mines, P.S., One Convention Place, 701 Pike St., Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98101 now through December 13, 2019.
Please contact Emily Albrecht at emilyalbrechtattorney@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you!
