The local Toys for Tots Literacy Program covering Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties will be holding a book drive in March at participating churches, schools, businesses, and through community clubs with the objective of collecting new or gently used reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, etc., for youth in need, at-risk youth, and youth in foster care for all ages 0-18. Toys for Tots is currently seeking partners in this endeavor. If your church, school, business, or community club would like to help, please send an email to pine.bluff.ar@toysfortots.org. Toys for Tots is also seeking financial donations to help with this book drive and Foster Care Initiative in May. Checks or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to PO Box 199, Rison, AR. 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Herald Office or Rison United Methodist Church. You can also donate to the local chapter online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. “In 2024, Toys for Tots in our area was able to give away an average of 1.3 toys to nearly 3,600 youth in our area. However, we were only able to give away an average of 0.7 books to those youth, meaning that not everyone got a book. Therefore, we would like to rectify that in 2025,” said Matthew Yarnell, Toys for Tots Coordinator.The Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to less fortunate children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. “We aim to help area youth compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. Yet, we need your help in order to make this happen. Please share your love of reading with others and help lay the tracks for area youth by jumping on the Toys for Tots train today,” Yarnell said....
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