GREEN COVE SPRINGS - National Literacy Week took place March 2–6 and aligns with Read Across America Week, a nationwide initiative designed to inspire a love of reading, particularly among children.

In recognition of this important week, the First Coast National Panhellenic Council (FCNPHC) launched a new literacy initiative entitled “D9 Reads Across North Florida," our version of Read Across America Week. FCNPHC partnered with ECS4Kids to read to Head Start children across three centers in Clay and Duval Counties, supporting the 2026 Read Across America theme, "Diverse & Inclusive Books." FCNPHC members promoted the 2026 Theme’s focus of empathy, curiosity and confidence through the power of reading.

Seventeen members of FCNPHC read to children on March 2 at Green Cove Springs Head Start Center, and on March 3 at two Jacksonville locations—Emerson Head Start/Early Head Start and 8th Street Head Start/Early Head Start centers.

The center directors and children expressed gratitude for our efforts. Marisol Buitrago, center manager at the Green Cove Springs site, indicated her desire to have us “set a date for next year.”

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. The Jacksonville Chapter is First Coast NPHC, where the president is Charlie J. Gillette, Jr., Esquire, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Lambda chapter. FCNPHC provides services in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties of North Florida. For more information on FCNPHC, visit www.firstcoastnphc.org.