Presented to: Southwest Plains Regional Service Center Superintendents Council January 4, 2012 Dodge City Bookcase Project: “Encouraging Children to Read”

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”.

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 “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 were awarded in 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: _______________________ _______________________ 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 (Phone) (Mobile) 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