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Yakima, WA (October 1, 2018) – On Friday September 28, 2018, Astria Health delivered 500 age-appropriate books to Roosevelt Elementary School in an effort to spark a interest in reading and encourage children to have a lifelong love of learning. The book donation is part of The Magic of Storytelling Campaign – a collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney|ABC Television Group, and the non-profit organization, First Book. Astria Health sponsored the program in the Yakima Valley and chose Roosevelt to receive the books because on the level of need within student families. Children will be encouraged to take the books home to read with family members.
“There are families within our community that can’t afford to buy books for their children to read at home,” says Darrin Cook, Chief Operating Officer. “Getting books into the hands of children at a young age helps them build a stronger foundation for learning throughout their lives.”
Cook says programs like Magic of Storytelling and First Book are essential, especially in schools with high percentages of low income families like we have in the Yakima Valley. Funding for literacy programs has been reduced nation-wide, and for low-income schools this can be a detriment to the children’s futures. In addition, books coming from Federal Title I monies have restrictions on how books can be used by educators.
Astria Health believes every child should have access to books and education, which is why they sponsored three schools in the Yakima Valley through this program.
In addition to Roosevelt elementary school in Yakima, Astria Health also sponsored Sun Valley and Kirkwood Elementary schools in Sunnyside and Toppenish respectively. Together, Astria Health has donated a total of 1,500 books through this program to benefit local children.
Cook says all children deserve the chance to read books today, so they can write the stories of tomorrow.
“Astria Health realizes the potential of each child in this community, which is why we are a proud sponsor of The Magic of Storytelling’s efforts to put new books into the hands of local children in our valley,” said Cook.
With the help of Astria Health General Surgeon, Dr. Whitney Parnell, books were delivered at 2:30 p.m. on September 28 and the school will distribute them throughout the next few weeks.
Posted October 01, 2018