FLEMING ISLAND – Preschool students at Primrose School did their part to help combat the literacy crisis in America by donating books to local charities as part of their Og’s Bountiful Book Drive in honor of Read Across America Day.

Students and families donated new or gently used books that were sent to charities across the country to support underserved children and families. More than 70,000 children at more than 480 Primrose schools nationwide participated in the book drive, which also weaves in lessons of compassion, generosity and giving without expectation—the cornerstones of Primrose Schools’ Balanced Learning Approach.

The enterprising preschoolers of Primrose worked with the school, their teachers, parents, and other students, making it fun by decorating their boxes and participating in story times. They donated 1,462 books to “Reach Out and Read,” Island Pediatrics, St. Vincent’s Pediatrics of Clay County and Palms Medical of Orange Park.

“The value of reading to, and with, children really can’t be overstated,” said Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education for Primrose Schools. “Reading is the key to so many foundational skills and lessons, from the earliest development of language to understanding the perspective of people who are different from you.”

Children of Clay County and children across America were treated to some extra reading fun and different storytime listening last week as the nation took the week to celebrate the March birthday of one of America’s most beloved children’s authors, Dr. Seuss.