By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The Toledo Chapter of Links Inc. donated 175 books to Robinson Elementary Head Start program Thursday morning June 9. The book donation is a part of the national Links, Incorporated’s 7,500 book giveaway challenge.
“The Links, Incorporated is teaming up with national partner Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) to address early childhood literacy through a Book Challenge. The goal is for members in 299 chapters to donate at least 7,500 new or gently used reading and math books for pre-K to 3rd graders at Head Start Centers throughout the United States and comparable sites in the Bahamas and the United Kingdom.” (source:www.thelinksinc.org)
The Toledo, OH Chapter members selected books focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer and Math) that featured minority representation. The books were purchased at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Friends of the Library book sales.
“Our goal was to find books that were reflective of the students that are in the Head Start program so probably 85-90 percent [of the books] are by Black authors and are about children of color.” Nicole Duhart, vice president, Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
“It’s nothing like escaping in a book and not only be able to see yourself visibly in the book but also to read about adventures and things that kids are experiencing that you also can experience,” she added. The aim is to promote positive self-image and literacy among students.
Teresa Quinn, program coordinator of the Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Inc., read aloud to enthusiastic kindergarten and pre-school children of Toledo Public Schools. The children were attending summer school from Robinson, Pickett and Glenwood Elementary.
James Jones, EdD, principal of Robinson Elementary accepted the donations graciously. Robinson Elementary currently has two Head Start classrooms. The school is undergoing renovations over the summer and, in the fall, will be the host of six Head Start classrooms. This donation will be a big help in that transition.
The Links, Inc. in partnership with Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) also provided a literacy kit to Robinson and all selected Head Start Centers. Each kit contains storybooks, educational curriculum, and children’s activities, as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Since 1972, Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has served the community. As one of 299 chapters, membership is comprised of business and civic leaders, role models, mentors and activists. They work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. To learn more about the chapter’s work locally, please visit www.toledolinks.org.
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946 consisting of more than 16,000 professional women in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. To learn more, www.thelinksinc.org.
