Please Help with Childhood Literacy

I want you to think about what you spend $28 on a day, a week, or a year. $28 is almost, but not, $30, and I can think of about 1,000 things that I spend $30 on a week.

I spend it on my nails, tanning, food, groceries, oil changes, gifts, and I’m sure there are more, those are just a few off the top of my head.

Did you, the average person, know that through the FERST Foundation, that advocates childhood literacy, $28 can have a book delivered to a child in their critical age of development? Well, it can.

Here in Jasper County I am an advocate of literacy. I love to read, and have numerous books and bookshelves in my home. I cannot guarantee that my mother would tell you that I always have loved reading, but I certainly do now.

I recently met with Lynne Jordan, chair of the FERST Foundation for Jasper County. FERST foundation was founded by Robin Ferst and promotes the “ensuring the availability of quality books in the home so that parents (older siblings, aunts, etc.) can read to their child.”

In common terms, the FERST foundation uses donated monies to send children that are in the program one book each month from birth to age five.

That is the possibility of 60 books in the home for children to read and become more literate. There have been numerous studies showing that one of the most important things parents and guardians can do to foster their children’s intellectual growth is to read to them at an early age.

Me personally, I give a book with my presents for all of the children in my life on birthdays and Christmas. I want the children in my life to love and enjoy books as much as I do. I just gave a book The Dork Diaries (runs with the Diaries of a Wimpy Kid series) as a gift on Sunday to a nine year-old at her birthday party, and it was a huge hit. Shocking, I know.

Mrs. Jordan told me that children of any income level as long as they’re birth to five years-old can sign up for the program and receive books.

She told me that there are forms to complete at local doctor’s offices and parents are encouraged to get these done in order to benefit children, today!

Another study shows that 61 percent of low income families do not have a single piece of reading material suitable for a child in their home.

That is over half of the families with young children, all over the U.S. Studies also have shown that older children and parents also benefit from the reading, aiding in further education and better understanding of stories which may be used for Accelerated Reader tests along with general knowledge.

The best part about this program is that it is FREE to participants. It is possible through volunteers such as Mrs. Jordan, and others that donate $28 for a child to read all year! Last year 1,230 books were distributed in Jasper County. There are currently 200 books being mailed out monthly here and can increase as long as funds permit this. The goal is to give all children the opportunity to enter school with a readiness to read, learn, and grow.

Help be a part of our next generation, donate to FERST! Look for details on an exciting event coming March 2, or contact lynneq.jordan@gmail.com to donate or learn more.