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Local Preschoolers Read 800 Books to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

CINCINNATI — From January 17 until February 17, 2006, 30 preschool children ages 3 to 5 from Children's for Children-Procter & Gamble Daycare services participated in Scholastic Book Clubs ClassroomsCare program to get books donated to disadvantaged children nationwide, including many who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. For every 100 books the children read, Scholastic Book Clubs, a division of Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company, donated 100 books (for a total donation of up to one million new books).

At Children's for Children-P&G, the preschoolers counted the number of books they read at home, at the center and with the teachers during story time. They collectively read 800 books for the program.

"It was good to have the children involved in the ClassroomsCare program because it taught them social awareness and giving to others," said Ruby Baker, lead teacher, at Children's at Children-P&G. "A lot of the families at the school were involved because it gave them something interactive to do at home with the kids," Baker said. Pat White, a teacher at Children's for Children-P&G, said she would definitely participate in the program again. "The program was a great motivator for the parents and children who participated. The students would always get excited when we told them how many total books they had read."

Three not-for-profit partners made sure the books were given to the hardest to reach and neediest children. First Book",Reach Out and Read", and Save the Children" received and distributed the donations to children in under-served communities across the U.S.

Sarah Whinnery, lead teacher at Children's for Children-P&G, explained the preschoolers' excitement about participating in the program. "Our children understood that through this program other children who needed books would get them." Even though Whinnery and Baker were the only two teachers who had classes participating in the literacy campaign, Whinnery said all of the teachers at the school played an important role in promoting ClassroomsCare. "All of our teachers were really supportive and helped us achieve our goal." She also said that the program was a positive one for everyone who was involved. "We realize ClassroomsCare allowed us to strengthen home, school and community relationships."

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site.

About Children's for Children-Procter & Gamble Daycare

Children's for Children - P&G is recognized as leader in early childhood education for unparalleled programming for young children, parents and early childhood educators and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Children's for Children offers full-day, year-round enrollment, for Procter and Gamble employees. Specialized programs designed for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, are aimed at preparing them for a lifetime of successful learning and positive social interactions. To learn more about Children's for Children visit the center's Internet site.

About Cincinnati Children's

Cincinnati Children's is a 423-bed institution devoted to bringing the world the joy of healthier kids. Cincinnati Children's is dedicated to transforming the way health care is delivered by providing care that is timely, efficient, effective, family-centered, equitable and safe. It ranks third nationally among all pediatric centers in research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The Cincinnati Children's vision is to be the leader in improving child health.