Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, kicked off its inaugural “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book drive on February 1.

Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency will be collecting donations of new books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. The books will be distributed to the children and families enrolled with Children First, as well as distributed to the agency’s local nonprofit and education partners.

“Reading is the doorway that makes all other learning possible. You can’t truly learn if you can’t read at an age-appropriate level, and we ask that you please support our community’s youngest so that they receive the gift of lifelong learning,” says Sheila.

The book drive runs from Feb. 1 to March 31. Community members can participate by delivering or mailing donations to 1723 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234. Participation is also encouraged by making a monetary donation online to go toward the purchase of books at childrenfirst.net/donate.

About Children First:

Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.

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