Rockmart’s summer reading program wraps up
Ferst Foundation promoting books at home as school starting back for youth in Polk County
A group of local volunteers who continue to promote literacy for youth in Polk County want to remind parents - especially those who have a child about to start in school - to give their student a leg up in life by promoting reading early.
The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy ( FFCL) is a nonprofit organization with the goal to provide books that prepare preschool children for reading and learning success.
The program is open to all children in Polk County. A special focus is to provide at-risk children with literacy opportunities at an ea rly age.
Children receive an age-appropriate book mailed to them at home every month from birth until their fifth birthday. Along with each book, parents receive a newsletter with suggestions for reading the book and ideas for encouraging children to enjoy books and words.
Polk's local Community Action team (CAT) for Ferst Foundation is made up of volunteers. These volunteers have been registering children through school and community activities and by personal contacts.
As of May 2017 they have registered over 800 Polk County children to receive books.
It costs the local CAT $ 36 per year, per child to send the books. Funds are raised locally through donations from individuals, corporate sponsors and local businesses. For several years our Polk County group has had an annual "Evening with t he Authors" fundraiser to meet these financial needs. Plans are underway now for next year's event. "An Afternoon with the Authors" will be held at "In the Wo o ds" in Rockmart on Sunday, Februarv 25, 2018.
volunteers are welcome and needed to help with the literacy program run by the Ferst Foundation, and are encouraged to sign up. Anyone who would like to register a child can contact Patty Rogers,at progersg2.53@gmail.com, or go to our website: www.ferstfoundation.org.