LEWISVILLE, Texas – March 21, 2019 – In early March, all across the country schools celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a campaign to promote reading called Read Across America. Children and adults alike are familiar with Dr. Seuss (real name Theodor Seuss Geisel), who revolutionized children’s books by creating fun characters like The Cat in the Hat and zany experiences like eating Green Eggs and Ham.
On Friday, March 1, Book Drive for Kids, a local non-profit organization, joined the festivities at Lakeland Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas. With a generous sponsorship from Independent Bank, Book Drive for Kids hosted a free book fair for all 800 students. “At Book Drive for Kids, our mission is to create enthusiasm for reading and we do that by providing books that children can take home and call their own,” says Michelle Cook, co-founder of Book Drive for Kids. At these free book fairs, every student chooses a book from a variety of genres. “The kids are so excited to get the books. It is a great way to spend the day,” remarks Lakeland librarian DeVona Williams.
“When we heard about this celebration, we were excited to support Lakeland Elementary School,” says Chuck Clay of Independent Bank. Book Drive for Kids is a grassroots organization run by volunteers and donations from the community. “It was so much fun!” exclaims Dottie Francis of Independent Bank. “We had an amazing time!” adds Rebekah Carpus, who volunteered along with her college-aged daughters Mikayla and Abigail.
Book Drive for Kids offers free book fairs for economically disadvantaged children in the DFW area. It was started two years ago by Flower Mound residents, Nicol Klingenstein and Michelle Cook. “When we learned that there were families with few if any, children’s books in their homes, we knew we had to do something about it. Reading with our own children had a profound impact on them as well as ourselves. Every child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to ignite their imagination through books.” If you would like to know more about Book Drive for Kids, please visit the website or Facebook page.
