SC United Methodists Collecting One Million Books for Child Literacy

COLUMBIA, SC – United Methodists of South Carolina are on a mission to collect one million books by June 3 to bring literacy to the state’s children – one book at a time. Research has shown that one of the biggest obstacles to literacy is the lack of books in the home. Through June 3, anyone wanting to join the effort can drop off books at United Methodist churches throughout the state.

“A lot of times the ability to read is very much tied in with poverty, and it’s a good way to combat poverty,” said the Rev. Ricky Howell, who is organizing the Million Book Effort. “We are taking a stand as United Methodists and saying ‘it’s not OK with us that we have 20 percent of children in poverty.’”

The group has created a recommended reading list as a guideline for book donations. These books have characteristics that lend themselves to early literacy skills for young and elementary school age children. These suggestions, at www.MillionBookEffort.org, are just a sampling of thousands of appropriate titles categorized by age groups.

Churches are also looking for schools, organizations and agencies throughout local communities that need book donations. If you would like to receive books for your organization, please click here to fill out a request form.

“The book collection is just the first step of the MBE,” Howell said. “We want to encourage churches and individuals to form partnerships with schools and local agencies that promote literacy, to volunteer as tutors and/or reading partners and to consider other ways that they might continue to promote childhood literacy moving forward.”

Volunteers are also needed at various dates and times at processing sites throughout S.C. to sort and package books.

To find an opportunity to volunteer, to locate a church near you that is collecting books or to make a monetary donation, go towww.MillionBookEffort.org.

United Methodists of South Carolina are on a mission to collect one million books by June 3 to bring literacy to the state’s children – one book at a time. Research has shown that one of the biggest obstacles to literacy is the lack of books in the home. Through June 3, anyone wanting to join the effort can drop off books at United Methodist churches throughout the state.

“A lot of times the ability to read is very much tied in with poverty, and it’s a good way to combat poverty,” said the Rev. Ricky Howell, who is organizing the Million Book Effort. “We are taking a stand as United Methodists and saying ‘it’s not OK with us that we have 20 percent of children in poverty.’”

The group has created a recommended reading list as a guideline for book donations. These books have characteristics that lend themselves to early literacy skills for young and elementary school age children. These suggestions, at www.MillionBookEffort.org, are just a sampling of thousands of appropriate titles categorized by age groups.

Churches are also looking for schools, organizations and agencies throughout local communities that need book donations. If you would like to receive books for your organization, please click here to fill out a request form.

“The book collection is just the first step of the MBE,” Howell said. “We want to encourage churches and individuals to form partnerships with schools and local agencies that promote literacy, to volunteer as tutors and/or reading partners and to consider other ways that they might continue to promote childhood literacy moving forward.”

Volunteers are also needed at various dates and times at processing sites throughout S.C. to sort and package books.

To find an opportunity to volunteer, to locate a church near you that is collecting books or to make a monetary donation, go towww.MillionBookEffort.org.

About Rethink Church
Rethink Church, the next evolution of The United Methodist Church’s “Open hearts” welcoming and advertising campaign, highlights the many opportunities available within United Methodist churches to engage with the world—from literacy programs to feeding the poor. At RethinkChurch.org, visitors may interact, learn more about the church and search for involvement opportunities.