LITERACY FOR
THE HOLIDAYS!
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc (ELC) was delighted to complete our eighth annual
‘Literacy for the Holidays’ campaign that saw more than 9,000 books distributed to Manatee County children
during December 2019.
This important initiative promotes literacy and raises awareness to parents and families of how crucial it is to interact and read
with children from an early age.
The ELC distributed books to 130 preschools and elementary schools that offer School Readiness and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten)
programs through the ELC and also included middle school age students that attend after-school programs offered by these schools.
Kerry Gaylord, ELC Director of Child Development, said: “For the eighth successive year our Literacy for the e Holidays
program proved to be a huge success.”
“We are already planning to make the December 2020 holiday season book giveaway an even bigger
event as we continue to highlight the importance of literacy and reading with children from an early age.”
”
Ana Rodriguez, ELC Early Literacy Coordinator, added: “By giving our young readers the opportunity for
early literacy we are raising strong future leaders.”