United Way of Yellowstone County has a mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring spirit of the community and once again we have been astonished by the caring spirit of our community, citizens, and businesses who work closely with United Way of Yellowstone County.
The final numbers are in and the results of the 2014 Special Book Distribution projects in December were the largest ever!
2,026 Books Distributed
Our first project rolled out in early December as we were fortunate to have 9 Billings West Rotary members join us and volunteer time to label books for identified families in area schools. Over 100 books were delivered to area children, age’s birth to 14, identified as candidates by school teachers and/or counselors in five local schools. The books, once labeled, were delivered by more volunteers from the Billings West Rotary Club and were part of a holiday gift collection to families in need.
In partnership with and funding provided by First Interstate Bank the Title I Kindergarten Book Distribution was able to give 595 students a very special book to take home and share with their families. The children’s faces were aglow with the gift of a book they could call their very own as over 17 volunteers took part in reading, displaying the book for children to follow along, or distributing a copy to each student in the class. Additionally, each classroom teacher received a book to add to the classroom collection for story time and sharing.
Wrapping up this year’s distribution was a book drive supported by community members through the work of staff and leadership at our local Barnes and Noble store. Employees of Barnes and Noble offered customers an opportunity to purchase a book for a child. Upon check out customers helped by their donation to support a special collection starting in early November through the mid-December. Books, approximately 1,300, were then sorted and donated to children who participate with local non-profit agencies or programs promoting reading and its importance to our young people.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, businesses and donors who have helped make this possible. Our community is a shining example to the rest of the country. This is just one way we demonstrate the impact when we work together and LIVE UNITED!