Thanks to a generous donation from Toys for Tots, Dearborn Public Schools will be offering a free book to every elementary and middle school student who attends their school open house on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 23.
Best known for providing disadvantaged children with toys at Christmas, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots also has a literacy campaign. The Literacy Program provided 4.1 million books to disadvantaged children in 2023.
This summer, Toys for Tots donated 15,200 books to Dearborn Public Schools for use by children in grades preschool through eighth grade. Dearborn Public Schools applied for the book grant last spring. Every elementary and middle school student attending their school’s open house will be able to select a free book from the many titles available for their grade level. Some of the donated books will also be used for classroom and school libraries. District media specialists vetted the books for age-appropriateness both in reading level and content.
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program works to offer the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children “the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively,” according to the organization’s website.
Open houses in Dearborn Public Schools are scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 23. The events are a great time for students and parents to meet their child’s teachers and to start becoming familiar with the school, including where to line up for class when school starts on Monday, Aug. 26. The first day of school is a half day.