First Book UGA seeks to fill the literacy gap in Athens-Clarke County by providing free books to underprivileged children. In the past year, we have given away over 1,100 books - 2 books to every child at a local Title 1 elementary school. Every $2.50 that we raise equals a brand new book for a child in need. This year we are hosting a benefit dinner, canning, selling lollipops before home football games, and more to impact children in Athens. At the end of the school year we visit elementary schools and give the books to the children. Take a look at the facts:
- In middle income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to one; in low-income neighborhoods, that ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.
- 80% of preschool and after school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books.
- Among adults at the lowest level of literacy proficiency, 43% live in poverty; among adults with strong literacy skills, only 4% live in poverty.
- Athens-Clarke County is the 5th poorest county in the nation. First Book UGA is the campus branch of a national organization called First Book. Since 1992, First Book has donated over 100 million books to disadvantaged children in the U.S.
