A nonprofit dedicated to literacy and health education is placing 30,000 books in pediatric clinics statewide for free distribution to Iowa children. Laura Holms, the Midwest regional director for Reach Out and Read, says each book helps spark language development, encourages positive behaviors, and strengthens the bond between kids and their caregivers through shared reading. Holms says the books are going to dozens of Iowa doctor’s offices.
Some 20,000 books were distributed in the past month, while another ten-thousand were mailed out in the past week or so. Holms says books like “Susie’s Big Day” and “Doc the Dog’s Healthy Habits” will promote early literacy and healthy routines, plus, there are several other titles.
Reach Out and Read Midwest partnered with Iowa Total Care to distribute the 30-thousand books, which will be able to reach many thousands of Iowa children to inspire curiosity, confidence, and good health habits.
Holms says pediatricians and other healthcare professionals will encourage parents to crack open the books on the spot and start reading to their children.
Holms says Reach Out and Read Midwest strives to ensure every child, regardless of ZIP code, has access to books and early literacy support in the places they already receive trusted guidance, pediatric clinics. She adds, donors who visit www.ReachOutandRead.org/Midwest can designate their gifts to help children in a specific county.
