For more visit - https://uwsd.org/ ● Starting Feb. 1 through March 15, United Way of San Diego County encourages local companies and individuals to either make monetary donations and/or donate new books to support its annual “Read Across America” book drive. ● The organization aims to collect 3,000 books to help local students develop essential literacy skills, ignite their imagination, and nurture their love for reading. 2 ● All donated books will be distributed to local students in historically disinvested areas across the county. ● From being a doctor to an astronaut to a veterinarian, children have grand dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. However, those dreams can easily slip away due to educational and economic inequities. ● Not reading at grade level and lack of access to resources such as age-appropriate, high-quality books at home are both significant factors that hinder a child’s long-term learning, ultimately preventing them from reaching their career goals. ● A staggering statistic shows that over half of all San Diego County children aren’t reading at grade level by the time they enter fourth grade. ● Studies show that children not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, largely because foundational reading comprehension is crucial for building more advanced educational concepts. ● To help close literacy gaps in our region, UWSD strives to put books into the hands and homes of children who need them most. ● This year’s Read Across America Book Drive is sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. ● For more information on how to support the drive or become a sponsor, visit uwsd.org/raa. WAYS TO DONATE: Make a financial contribution: For just $10, you can put a book into the hands of a local child in a disinvested community to help keep their dreams alive. Donate a book virtually: Donors can purchase books online through Warwick’s La Jolla and choose from a list of curated books in both English and Spanish. Visit uwsd.org/raa to purchase books online. When purchasing a book on Warwick’s website, select the “Pick Up In-Store” option. Warwick’s will automatically ensure that your donation is added to the “Read Across America” book donations. Gift a book in-person: Books can also be purchased in-person from one of United Way of San Diego County’s partners, including Warwick’s La Jolla (7812 Girard Ave.) and Libélula Books & Co. (950 S 26th St.) in Barrio Logan. ○ Receive a complimentary coffee from Cafe Moto (2619 National Ave.) with a Libélula Books & Co. Read Across America purchase. Ask in-store for details.