Dodge City Bookcase Project:
“Encouraging Children to Read”
Presented to:
Southwest Plains Regional Service Center
Superintendents Council
January 4, 2012
A Bookcase
for Every
Child…
Syndicated Columnist Jim
Davidson believes
everyone can do
something to help
someone else, especially
when that someone is a
child.
That thought motivated
the Christian author to
start a program in his
hometown of Conway,
Arkansas that would
address illiteracy. He
called it simply, “A
Bookcase for Every Child”.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
—Dr. Seuss
Research
shows…
Parents will read to
their children if
encouraged to do so,
and if the resources
are available to them.
Reading to a child
increases language
skills, overall
knowledge, and a
love of learning.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
—Dr. Seuss
How May I
Help?
There are a number of
ways willing volunteers
can make a difference in
the lives of area young
people.
Men and women with
carpentry experience
are needed to help build
the customized
bookcases.
Those without
carpentry experience
are encouraged to try
their hands at skills that
include sanding,
staining, and other
finish work.
And…
Have money
but no more
time to give?
Donations are gratefully
accepted, in any amount.
Civic groups and
businesses are encouraged
to pool member or
employee contributions
New or gently used books
are a must to provide
reading material for
children as they receive
their bookcases. Donate
books around the house,
or organize a book drive.
Read to schoolchildren,
your own children and
grandchildren, the
neighbor’s kids …
2011 Dodge City
Bookcase
Project
It costs $60.00 (materials
only) to build one
heirloom-quality
bookcase. Groups
interested in promoting
literacy are encouraged to
“adopt a bookcase” or
participate in book
drives.
All money received is
used directly for the
purchase of materials.
Volunteers donate their
time, resources and
expertise to make this
project a success.
“Encouraging Children to Read”
2011 Dodge City
Bookcase
Project
Fifteen bookcases were
awarded to area children in
2008, and 30 were awarded
in 2009 and 50 in 2010. 65
were awarded in 2011.
The 2012 goal is to build
and present at least 65
more. All bookcases are
presented to local children
who need motivation to
read.
Five bookcases are slated
for Bright Beginnings Early
Childhood Center, 40 for
area public elementary
schools (5 each), 5 for
Sacred Heart. 5 each to
both Intermediate Schools
and the Middle School.
“Encouraging Children to Read”
I would be
interested
in helping by…
__Donating “gently used” or
new children’s books to
provide children with a starter
set for their own personal
library.
__Organizing a local book
drive.
__Working as a craftsman to
build the bookcases, or
assisting in the finish work.
__Making a monetary
donation in the amount of
$_______.
__Organize Local Fundraiser.
My contact information:
Name: _______________________
Address: _____________________
Phone: _______________________
Email: _______________________
This all-volunteer organization uses no tax money or grants of any
kind. It is NOT a 501(C)3 organization ,and therefore donations are
NOT tax-deductible. There are no expenses such as salaries, rent,
utilities, etc.
Contact:
David Grayson
1824 Hoover Way
Dodge City, KS 67801
(Phone) 620-227-3064
(Mobile) 620-255-3024
[email protected]
Please help our young
children learn the joy of
reading and seek out
knowledge.
Each child will receive an
oak bookcase with his/her
name on a plaque, plus a
starter set of books and a
certificate with the
sponsor’s name. Each
sponsor will receive a
certificate with the child’s
name on it.
This is your opportunity to
become a hero to a
knowledge-hungry child!
Share the Joy of Reading