Community home library project boosting early literacy and a love for reading
Danyelle Burke North
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Department of Education has reported a decline in children’s literacy levels.
“The Arizona Department of Education, their stats and the data that are showing that from 2023 until 2024, there has been a decline. So it was 41%, but now it’s 39% of third grade readers deficient,” said Yuma Arizona’s Children Association language and literacy educator Denise Ramirez.
That’s why the Yuma Arizona’s Children Association started a home library project to support 100 Yuma County families with a personalized home library.
“Our goal was 100 families – to serve 100 families. They will get a complete kit…a book nook kit where there will be a cozy chair, a reading buddy, a carpet, and a set of ten books,” said Ramirez.
They’re partnering with Nova Home Loans to create library kits and need your help to make it happen.
Items they need:
1,000 Books of different genres. Preference age appropriate for children 0-8
100 Bookshelf’s
100 Cozy sitting pieces
100 Small soft rugs
100 Stuffed animals
“So what we’re asking is for our industry, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, if everybody did a little, no one would have to do a lot. And there’s no reason why we can’t all come together, buy ten books, buy a shelf, buy a single stuffed animal or sitting piece, and help Arizona Children’s Association get this over the finish line for these hundred families,” said Vice President Branch Manager of Nova Home Loans Jarrod Holiman.
They’ll be accepting donations through mid June. You can find drop off items at the locations below. They say they are thankful for the generosity of each of these partners:
Drop off Locations:
Nova Home Loans
Arizona’s Children Association
Primelending
Realty One Group Gateway
Elite Engraving & More
If you need to reach out for donations, you can email them below:
HomeStartsHere@novahomeloans.com
dramirez@arizonaschildren.org
salvarez@arizonaschildren.org