ECU Health's Shocking Plan: Can One Nonprofit Save 10,000 Kids from Illiteracy? Find Out!

Books have the remarkable ability to transport readers to new worlds, and for the Wynne family from Greenville, North Carolina, this journey was made possible through generous donations. Alexis Wynne, a mother of two, expressed how meaningful it was for her family to receive books during a pivotal moment in their lives. “We have another daughter who is five, who’s been learning how to read, and so we’ve been reading together as a family. She’s been practicing reading to him, and it’s a lot of fun,” Wynne shared, highlighting how reading can strengthen family bonds and foster a love for learning.

On Friday, Wynne participated in a community effort organized by the nonprofit organization Book Harvest, which aims to improve children's literacy through book donations. She recalls receiving her books from ECU Children’s Hospital when her youngest child, baby Clark, was born, a gesture that resonated with her deeply. “Having a baby is scary, and knowing that there were people there that cared about your child, and also their literacy and education at such a young age, is really cool,” Wynne said.

The initiative, known as ‘Books from Birth,’ is just one of many programs that Book Harvest operates in collaboration with various organizations. This year marked a significant milestone for Book Harvest, as it began partnering with Greenville for a book drive for the first time. Caitlyn Smith, the Director of Book Harvest, emphasized the importance of community engagement in these efforts. “Having these book drive partnerships really helps us, and the more books that we’re able to collect, the more we’re able to share back out, so we’re excited to see the partnerships continue to build,” Smith stated.

At the recent event, volunteers collected nearly 2,000 books during the annual “Dream Big” event, which aligns with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The church community, including members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, collaborated with 40 other donation sites across Eastern Carolina to distribute free literature to children in the area. This collective effort underscores a vital understanding: access to books is not just about literacy—it's about opportunity.

Volunteer Russell Wynne articulated the broader implications of education, stating, “Education is the key to success in life. If you can’t read, if you can’t communicate, it’s a roadblock to all kinds of success. So, it’s just a jumping off point for the rest of your life.” His words resonate with a growing recognition of the importance of literacy as foundational to both individual and community success.

Book Harvest, located in Durham, continues to lead initiatives that promote children's literacy across North Carolina. Their work is essential at a time when educational disparities are amplified by socio-economic factors, making access to books and educational resources even more crucial. For those interested in contributing, more information on how to participate in future donation efforts can be found on their website.

The impact of such community-driven initiatives cannot be overstated. By coming together to support children and families, organizations like Book Harvest help to cultivate a culture that values education and literacy, paving the way for brighter futures.