The quality of education in our counties affects us all. If children do not enter kindergarten with an appreciation of the written word, their chances of learning are greatly diminished. As a community and as parents we owe every child the chance to succeed. That’s why Ferst Readers needs your help to send a book each month to as many Greene and Putnam County children under the age of five as possible. Please “adopt a reader” for the excellent rate of just $36. That’s 12 new, age-appropriate books, one each month either mailed to the child’s home or delivered to them in their backpack at school.

Each fall for the past few years, Ferst Readers of Greene and Putnam Counties have held an annual “adopt-a-reader” fundraising campaign in order to buy books for the young children of our counties. Because of COVID 19, we made the decision this year to cancel plans for raffle ticket sales and a physical event and are asking instead for your direct support by simply making a donation to sponsor one (or more!) children for the coming year.The unprecedented circumstances of COVID have created financial stress for the local small businesses and restaurants that have supported our raffle fundraiser in the past, and uncertainties about the safety of group events continue. 

While we realize the many charities are appealing to you for support throughout the year, please know that a contribution to your local Ferst Readers program is an extremely worthwhile investment in making a difference in the  lives of our own children and the future of our own local area. You can adopt-a-reader by mailing your tax-deductible donation to P. O. Box 4283 in Eatonton or to P. O. Box 111 in Greensboro. You can also donate online through the end of the year using 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.