First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties and Ms. Florida, Dr. Juli Goldstein- Together to Promote Literacy

(Stuart, FL) - Saturday, August 29th -Ms. Florida, Dr. Juli Goldstein will read to children on Saturday, August 29 th, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Harborage Yacht Club for a Reading Rally hosted by First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties.There are many children from low-income families living in Martin & St. Lucie Counties with little or no access to books. With the support of Dr. Juli Goldstein and the community, First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties is working to put new books into the hands of children in need.

"I am delighted to partner with First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties to bring books to the children in this community", stated Dr. Juli Goldstein. "By working together, we can end illiteracy in Martin & St. Lucie Counties."

First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties is part of First Book's national network of volunteer-led Advisory Boards who provide new books to children in need in communities across the country. Comprised of volunteers from all sectors of the community, First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties works to promote and facilitate the distribution of new books to children of literacy programs in the Martin & St. Lucie areas. Access to books is essential to reading development. However, 61 percent of low-income families have no books for children in their homes. Additionally, over 80 percent of childcare centers serving low-income children lack age-appropriate books and other print materials. By providing children from low-income families with books they can take home and keep, First Book targets the only variable that correlates significantly with reading scores-the number of books in the home.

About First Book - Martin & St. Lucie Counties

First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties has been distributing books to programs serving low-income children since 2008. In 2008, First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties distributed over 4,000books to children participating in programs including Indiantown Middle School and Future Generations of St. Lucie County. First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties meet every month at the Stuart Fire Rescue Station 1. For more information or to get involved with First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties, please email us at treasurecoast_fl@firstbook.org or visit our website at www.firstbook.org/mslc.

Contacts:

First Book of Martin & St. Lucie Counties

Patti Gamble, Secretary

772-398-1068

PattiVibraphone@aol.com

www.firstbook.org/mslc