In Rockville, Trina Leonard, a retired public relations professional, is honing her math skills while counting and packing books. Together with former Montgomery County Councilmember Gail Ewing and her son Daniel, Leonard spearheaded a successful book donation drive, amassing over 1,200 children’s titles in under six months.
This heartwarming initiative encouraged friends to donate cherished books, such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" These beloved narratives are intended for children aged 7 and under in under-resourced communities in Montgomery County, with Flower Valley Elementary School in Rockville, Maryland, being a focal point.
Leonard emphasized the transformative power of reading, stating, "It can take you away from the life you are living and could show you the life you could live." She highlighted the critical importance of literacy, noting that children not reading at grade level by third grade are significantly more likely to face long-term educational challenges.
This passion for literacy culminated in the formation of a new non-profit, Inspiring Young Readers. Leonard shared a personal sentiment, recalling how reading together created some of the happiest memories with her daughter.
The book drive culminated in a joyous celebration at Flower Valley Elementary School, where over a thousand new books were displayed. The event featured a captivating reading of "Peter Rabbit" by retired Congresswoman Connie Morella, enthralling the young audience.
Volunteers, including Della Stolsworth, ensured the books reached various organizations across the DMV area, such as Small Things Matter, which supports under-resourced immigrant communities in Takoma Park. Roxanne Yamashita, leading the non-profit, emphasized the critical role of literacy in breaking the cycle of poverty, providing families with much-needed books along with food supplies.
This initiative has already made a tangible impact, with children like Milagro Hernandez's voraciously reading and discovering new worlds and expressions, truly embodying the spirit of Inspiring Young Readers.
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Photo: Getty