Bank of Oklahoma is collecting thousands of books for underprivileged children throughout Garfield County during the fifth-annual Caring for Kids Book by Book literacy campaign held in conjunction with The News on 6, The CW 12/19 and KWTV News 9.
“Reading during the summer is a great and fun way for children to remain involved in educational activities and continue learning while building their vocabulary, improving their reading skills and establishing a love of lifetime reading,” said BOk-Enid President Mike Barnthouse.
Enid residents are asked to bring new or gently used books to any of BOk’s 81 statewide locations through June 30. Books for children ages 6 months to 12 years are preferred. Donated books will be distributed locally through Public Library of Enid and Garfield County.
According to National Institute for Literacy, 19 percent of Garfield County’s population has attained a less than a 12th-grade education, and 5 percent have received less than a ninth-grade education.
“The June book drive is a prime opportunity to help curb the county’s troubling statistics and improve the quality of life throughout our great city,” Barnthouse said.
Last year, more than 29,000 books were collected.
For information about Caring for Kids Book by Book literacy campaign, call Lara Koch at (918) 298-0567.
