Ferst Readers of Greene and Putnam Counties are suspending their usual fall fundraising raffle because of COVID-19 this year. Please consider adopting a reader (or several) so we can continue this important work in 2021.

The single most important predictor of future success for a child is the ability to read well. Reading readiness can start in infancy with parents and grandparents reading aloud to their children. The results are impressive. Children who have been read to enter kindergarten with more self-confidence because of stronger language and communication skills. Children who develop a love of reading early on are more likely to stay in school and earn diplomas.

One of the easiest ways to improve a child’s school preparedness is simple: read to him or her every day. Regularly reading with children during preschool years gives them the biggest boost toward success in school and in life.

While Ferst Readers cannot address all the issues of early literacy, it can eliminate one reason why parents do not read to their children: the availability of books in the home. Currently Ferst Readers of Greene and Putnam Counties provides new, age-appropriate books monthly to nearly 1,500 young children from birth to age 5 in our counties. We can only do this thanks to the generosity of our neighbors. With your help, we can continue to support these children and reach out to more.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this program in Greene and Putnam counties. Adopt a reader for a year for $36. Three local children will benefit with a donation of $108. Checks can be mailed to Ferst Readers at P.O. Box 111, Greensboro, GA 30642 or P.O. Box 4283, Eatonton, Ga. 31024. You can also donate online through the following link: https://bit.ly/AdoptaReaderGreenePutnam

Thank you for your support as we help parents of all means help their children prepare for life with the gift of reading.