The Allentown Rescue Mission enthusiastically announces the launch of its newest program, Books to the Rescue, in conjunction with National Read Across America Day. Books to the Rescue is operated by the men of the Allentown Rescue Mission to acquire, through donations, early learning books and distribute them to local elementary schools for the teachers to pass along to their youngest and most needy students. This initiative not only benefits the children; it provides the men with an opportunity to help others in their community.
The pandemic produced a major shock to education, especially for the very young. Early learning in kindergarten and first grade forms the foundation of the entire educational process, and reading at home with family members has been identified as a vital component of learning how to read. However, local educators have found that many families do not have the resources at home to supplement COVID-limited school efforts. The lack of at-home supplies has resulted in the most vulnerable students falling behind.
Rachel Hudock, first-grade teacher, Clearview Elementary School, said, “During this pandemic, parents began asking for more books for their children to read at home. While I can provide great instruction, school textbooks, and technology, I couldn’t provide trade books to all students. A program like Books to the Rescue means that our students will be provided with more at-home resources to help pave the way for student success.”
Books to the Rescue aims to get books into the homes of students who otherwise would not have access to them. The men in the Allentown Rescue Mission’s Transformation Program will collect, catalog, classify and organize the donated books for distribution. Books to the Rescue provides a way for the men to give back to the community that has so generously blessed them during their stay at the Allentown Rescue Mission.
The Allentown Rescue Mission asks donors to drop off pre-school and elementary level books at its location, 355 Hamilton Street, Allentown. The books collected will help the youngest generation learn to read and help homeless men develop a sense of responsibility to their community. For more information, please visit allentownrescuemission.org/books-to-the-rescue. Inquiries can be made at books@armpa.org.
