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The Peekskill Rotary Club launched a new program to increase literacy skills in Peekskill among pre-school and school-age children. With help from members of HRHCare, Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce, Barnes & Noble bookstores and Peekskill Basics Program, local students will have a greater opportunity to improve their education outside of the classroom.
With materials funded by the Rotary Club of Peekskill and support from community partners, the committee crafted the "Golden Bookshelves Initiative,” which stocked new and gently used children’s books in both English and Spanish across the town. Golden bookshelves are strategically placed in Peekskill community facilities, serving children in need. More than a thousand books were donated by the Westchester Library System.
On Thursday, Jan. 18, the community partners gathered together at HRHCare's health center in Peekskill to explain the program and describe its mission to the public. “HRHCare has done so much for the community and this collaboration with the Rotary Club means so much for our children,” said Peekskill Mayor, Andre Rainey. “This is well-needed, and I look forward to many more similar initiatives for our youth. Let’s get our kids reading these books!”
The program seeks to promote literacy especially in low-income areas of the community where access to books is limited. The importance of reading tends to be overlooked and the lack of resources in some areas is concerning to parents and teachers. “Having the books on our Golden Bookcases makes it inviting for children to come into the Health Center, and contributes to their overall well-being,” said HRHCare EVP and Founding Mother, Rev. Jeannette Phillips. “The books are already flying off the shelves, and they have created an atmosphere of community. We appreciate the work of the Peekskill Rotary to make sure our children have the right to increase their literacy.”
HRHCare is a proud supporter of the Golden Bookshelves Initiative and other community-based programs. For more information about HRHCare, click here.
