BOISE, Idaho — An annual book drive to bring children's books to the hands of Idahos' youth begins Monday.
The 9th Children's Book Drive began March 11 and aims to collect and distribute over 20,000 children's books to Idaho families with children struggling with poverty, a news release stated.
The event organizers said the book drive is meant to address children's early education, as around 61% of families with financial struggles do not have children's books at home.
"We know that education is the vehicle out of poverty, " said United Way of Treasure Valley CEO and President Tim Jackson. "Early literacy skills are one of the most important predictors of lifelong success, and we remain committed to getting quality reading material into the hands of children facing financial instability all throughout the Valley. It takes a community working together to create this kind of change."
Overall, the organization said they have donated and distributed 540,000 books in the past eight years.
The United Way of Treasure Valley is hosting the drive in partnership with "Book It Forward! Idaho."
The book drive will end on March 29. The public can donate new or gently used books at any Treasure Valley CapEd location.
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