Three Ways to Make a Difference for a Child 

This guest post was written by Joey Mathis, a First Book Marketing and Communication intern. She is currently an undergrad student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.

Are you looking for a way to have a positive impact on the world? You can start by helping a child in need. Today, children face a variety of barriers to their educational and personal development. According to the Southern Education Foundation, 51% of students across the nation’s public schools are low-income, coming to school without even their basic needs met and under extreme stress. Children’s mental health has also suffered greatly in recent years. A survey of our Network, conducted in collaboration with On Our Sleeves between December 2021 and January 2022, estimates that more than half (53 percent) of the students that the respondents serve are struggling with their mental health. Despite these challenges there are still ways to help children in need.  

First Book is a nonprofit organization that provides brand-new, high-quality books, school supplies, and other resources at affordable prices (and sometimes for free!) to children and communities in need. You don’t have to be an educator or a member of our Network to help us. Here are three ways that you can make a difference for a child today! 

Donate $25, the Price of One Backpack 

As a nonprofit organization, First Book appreciates the generous support of publishers, partners, and other donors to continue our mission. Individuals can support us by donating, which helps remove barriers to children’s education and development. A one-time donation of $25 can immediately provide a backpack full of school supplies to a child in need. It can bring brand-new, high-quality books to a Title I classroom. It can supply basic hygiene necessities to a child who wouldn’t have them otherwise. When you donate to First Book, you can directly impact the life of a child in need. 

Download the Respect + Empathy Resource  

Can you remember how you learned to show respect and empathy? In today’s age of social distancing and online friendships, it can be difficult for children to have similar experiences to develop these skills. In collaboration with our Network of educators, First Book created the Promoting Empathy and Respect toolkit to help you teach those skills. Make a difference in a child’s life by utilizing this resource so they can learn how to create a more caring and compassionate world.  

Share First Book with a Colleague or Educator Friend  

First Book currently reaches an average of 5 million children every year and supports more than a third of the estimated 1.3 million classrooms and programs serving children in need. By joining our Network, educators gain access to our Marketplace, which features low cost and free books, and even more benefits. When you share our information, you’re helping us connect with more children in need.  Spread the word on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and encourage others to register for our Network.  

First Book’s Impact 

Thanks to our supporters, we have distributed more than 225 million books and resources to programs and schools serving children in need. Our Network of educators continues to grow by nearly 1,000 each week as we work towards our goal to support every Title I school in the United States.  

If you’re an educator, and eligible, join our network. Creating an account takes about five minutes. If you have any questions about First Book or need assistance signing up, please feel welcome to contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org.