Clifford the Big Red Dog delighted more than 70 preschool children at the C.E. Dewberry Head Start Preschool Tuesday March 18, 2014. After being read a story about Clifford by Stephanie Perkins with Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center the children were each given "The Little Red Hen" book on their way back to class.The books were provided through a grant from First Book. 

Join us Friday, May 16th from 7:30pm - 11:30pm for our 8th Annual Spring Gala.  We are excited about our NEW LOCATION, The Peninsula Club (19101 Peninsula Club Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031)

Come celebrate the Magic of Books, along with Dinner, Dancing and a Live & Silent Auction.  This black-tie optional event is a relaxed and upbeat event dedicated to bringing books to children in our community who, because of a lack of resources, do not have any at home. Funds raised at the 2014 Gala will ensure we are able to grant 60,000 new books this year, taking us over the 400,000 book mark.

                                                                 Tickets are available now! $100 if purchased prior to April 25th, and                             $150 thereafter. 

                                                                

Dear Friends of First Book-Charlotte,

As 2013 comes to a close, we would like to provide you with a snapshot of our accomplishments and a preview of things to come. We thank you for your continued support. Please download our Winter newsletter!

First Book-Charlotte needs your help to raise $825 to provide 3 brand new books to each child served by PEN PALS Book Club.  PEN PALS is a local program established in 2007 to serve children of incarcerated parents ages 12 - 19.  Recognizing an expanding need the BEAR (Be A Reader) program followed in 2009 to serve children ages 2 - 11.  Both are literacy-based organizations designed to promote literacy and exposure to cultural and social activities for children living through a very difficult time. 

In the Charlotte area alone, there are over 5,600 children of Incarcerated parents in state or federal prisons.  If positive role models and mentors do not step up to the plate, it is estimated that over 70% of these youth will become incarcerated.  Research shows us that these children are usually traumatized by separation from their parents, confused by what is happening, and usually ashamed of their parent's situation.  PEN PALS provides support through adult and peer volunteers.  They perform monthly community service projects with the PEN PALS kids to teach them about giving back.

PEN PALS has monthly and bi-monthly book clubs where children read a book and meet to have discussions.  Authors are invited to participate, and the club works with the local school system curriculum to promote reading comprehension.  Using book talks, storytellers, and drama with the students, they engage in read a-louds and encourage independent reading activities.  They also incorporate Family Reads in an effort to keep families together, especially when dealing with crisis.

Help us give these children a fighting chance for reading. 

We have to hurry, these children are waiting and we need to raise $825 in 30 days to give each child 3 brand new books.  No donation amount is too small.  Remember that $2.50 equals 1 brand new book.  Give $5 for two books, $25 for 10, or $50 to give 20 brand new books to kids in need.

More about First Book:

First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy - access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed over 100 Million free and low-cost books to disadvantaged children and the programs that serve them over the past 20 years.

First Book-Charlotte is the local Advisory Board serving Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.  The Advisory Board has distributed over 330,000 new books to 58 schools and programs since its founding in 2006. 

Want to help us in other ways?

Spread the word about First Book – Charlotte’s PEN PALS campaign by sharing a link to our site on your social media pages, like Facebook and Twitter.

First Book-Charlotte Book Distribution at Newell Elementary

Where: Newell Elementary: 8601 Old Concord Road Charlotte, NC 28213
When: April 18, 2013 from 2:30-4 pm

This event will be hosted by Newell Rubbermaid.