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.