Ferst Readers of Henry County recently joined Henry County Schools in the Read Across America celebration.

  Volunteers from Ferst Readers and Heritage Bank visited the eight local elementary schools with Georgia Lottery funded Pre-kindergarten programs. The visitors read to Pre-K classrooms and delivered over 250 books – enough for each participating student to have a book. Books given included favorites like “Harry the Dirty Dog,” “Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes,” “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” and “The Scarecrow’s Hat.”

  Read Across America is an initiative sponsored by the National Education Association “to motivate kids to read, bring the joys of reading to students of all ages, and make all children feel valued and welcome.” Locally, Read Across Henry is celebrated in Henry County Schools on Dr Seuss’ birthday, March 2.

  The schools visited included Austin Road Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Hampton Elementary, Mt. Carmel Elementary, Oakland Elementary, Pates Creek Elementary, Tussahaw Elementary, and Wesley Lakes Elementary.

  “We had books that had been returned to us because recipients moved and there was no known forwarding address,” said Doris Griffin, chair of the local Ferst chapter. “Ferst Readers has always donated returned books to local non-profit organizations, which share them with children in crisis.”

“This year we decided to collaborate with one of our partners, Henry County Schools, and give the books to children in the Title 1 Pre-K classes. These books needed a good home, and we know that there are homes that need good books.” 

  Several Heritage Bank staff members participated in reading to the local classes.

  “It was a very rewarding experience, and we look forward to participating next year,” said Kim Devine, Vice President, Commercial Lender. “The children were well behaved and interactive with each of us as we read.”

  In Henry County, Ferst Readers currently mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to 2,064 preschool children. A parent news-letter/reading guide accompanies each book. Preschool children are registered for the program at birth at Piedmont Henry Hospital, Henry County Library Lap Sit classes and online at www.ferstreadershenry.org.  

  Books are mailed monthly until the child reaches age 5, in hopes the child will be ready to learn upon entering school. The purchase and mailing of books is funded by local business donations, event sponsorships, grant funding, annual fundraisers, and individual donations.