United Ways of Hays and Caldwell counties donates books to local students

The United Way of Hays and Caldwell counties distributed over 3,200 books to more than 1,000 pre-kindergarten and Head Start students through the “Change A Child’s Story” program.

The United Way donated bags, which contain three books, to students from San Marcos Consolidated ISD, Wimberley ISD, Lockhart ISD, Prairie Lea ISD and Luling ISD. 

According to the United Way of Hays and Caldwell counties, the “Change A Child’s Story” program “increase the number of books families have access to in their homes by raising funds to purchase high-quality, age-appropriate books for children.” 

“United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties believes that every child’s story begins with Once upon a time. Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending,” said Michelle Harper, president and CEO of the United Way of Hays and Caldwell counties. “We hope that by providing books to build children’s home libraries and readiness guides to help parents be their children’s first teachers, we are changing the story for our communities’ children.”

The United Way of Hays and Caldwell Counties was chosen from more than 100 applicants and received $19,760 for new books through First Book — a nonprofit that is focused on equal access to quality education for children in need. The nonprofit awarded the funds to the United Way through its OMG Books Awards, which gives over $4.7 million in funding to distribute 1.5 million books and ebooks to children living in low-income communities in 33 states and territories. 

“We know that access to books and eBooks makes a significant difference in a child’s future success,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book president, CEO, and cofounder. “Children do not thrive in deeply under-resourced environments and too many of the schools and programs have far too little. This deprivation has long-term consequences for the children, their families, their communities and our nation. This could not be more urgent. With the OMG Books Awards, First Book and United Way of Hays and Caldwell Counties are investing not only in the future of the kids we’re reaching, but in the overall wellbeing of our nation.”

Volunteers for Hays Energy assisted the United Way in packing and delivering the books to local schools. Target and HEB in San Marcos donated bags.