City of Joplin collecting books for Literacy Resource Drive

(From the City of Joplin)

Literacy impacts every aspect of a child’s future, including employment opportunities. On average, a low-income household has between zero and three age-appropriate books for children. One Joplin is on a mission to change that statistic for Joplin households.

The City of Joplin is participating in One Joplin’s Literacy Resource Drive being held in the Month of May to collect new and gently used children’s and young adult books as well as supplies needed by Joplin Parents as Teachers. Items can be dropped off at in the box located at City Hall in the Finance Department’s lobby located on the 3rd floor. One Joplin also has an Amazon Wish List https://amzn.to/3loZy1x that people can purchase from and items will be shipped directly to Joplin Parents as Teachers.

 

One Joplin facilitates communication and collaboration among regional organizations in the areas of Education and Literacy, Health, and Poverty. The Education and Literacy Team is asking for assistance in gathering supplies to support early childhood and youth literacy. Donated items will be used in Parents as Teachers home visits. Books will be distributed to area families with information about children and adult literacy resources.



Over 1,000 books were collected through the drive in 2022. According to One Joplin Executive Director, Nicole Brown, “Books were labeled with a QR code and weblink to encourage parents to explore free local adult and children’s literacy resources. What better motivator for a parent to consider improving their literacy skills than a child asking to be read a story?” Partner agencies such as Higher Power Garage installed bookshelves to offer the books free of charge to clients. Volunteers distributed books to area blessing boxes and little free libraries. Kerri Clouse, Program Coordinator of Joplin Parents as Teachers shared, “We received over 200 items last year that were used in Kindergarten Bootcamps and home visits. Supplies collected through this drive play an integral role in preparing Joplin Schools' youngest learners for kindergarten.”

Other Donation Drop-Off Sites include:

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

Joplin Boys and Girls Club

Joplin City Hall – 3rd floor lobby

Joplin NALA Read

Joplin Public Library- Children's Department

Joplin Schools, Administration Building

Keller Williams Realty Elevate

Freeman Health System, Main Campus

Freeman Childcare Center

Ozark Center, Will's Place

Southwest Missouri Bank, any Joplin Location



For further information contact Nicole Brown at Director@OneJoplin.com or 417-726-9123.

One Joplin facilitates collaboration and communication among area organizations to identify and meet community needs in Poverty, Health, and Literacy. Founded in 2015, One Joplin engages individuals and organizations from every sector to positively impact community needs.