United Way of Central Georgia is excited to expand their book fair to seven Central Georgia Counties with more than 6000 new books being given to local students. The Book Fairs will take place in Bibb, Baldwin, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe and Peach Counties during the month of May.  Every student in 9 Central Georgia elementary schools will receive a new book for summer reading. The Book Fair is part of United Way of Central Georgia’s efforts to raise literacy rates in Central Georgia.

“Last year 1000’s of books were donated and then distributed at a community event in Bibb County,” stated George McCanless, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Georgia. “This year we have expanded the book fair to 7 counties and are bringing the books directly to the students at school.” 

According to Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, “It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected by a greater lack of literacy resources.” The goal of the book drive is to maintain or boost student literacy levels by retaining reading interest over the summer with fun and entertaining books.  Each book was selected by educators, and has a corresponding computer test that evaluates reading comprehension.  Community volunteers and United Way staff will be on-site to distribute books to the students.

Community sponsors of the Book Fair include: Flint Energies, Robins Federal Credit Union, David Printing Company, GE Capital, Central Georgia EMC, McArthur Law Firm, RICOH, Spherion, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union, JC Penny, TJ Maxx, Tri-County EMC, ACE Hardware of Gray, Beckham Fain Insurance, Cabinetry By Evans, Dillion & Vaughn, P.C., Farm Bureau of Jones County, Jennifer Franklin, Lynda Haynie, Patti Temple, Roberta Chamber Young Leaders, State Farm: Kate Tammeus, United bank and Windstrem.  

For more information on the United Way of Central Georgia and our 2015 Book Fairs, please visit our website at:http://www.unitedwaycg.org/