ESPN is partnering with First Book, a nonprofit focused on equal access to quality education, by gifting approximately 22,000 books to Connecticut kids and teachers in need.
- On Thursday, September 5, ESPN will distribute 22,000 new and diverse books, intended for children as part of its local community and early childhood literacy efforts.
- ESPN volunteers will be onsite to manage the book distribution held at Willow Brook Park in New Britain, Connecticut.
- Attendees at the event will receive six books and all local Connecticut educators who attend will receive 25 books that range from novels, educational books, Disney storybooks and more.
What they’re saying:
- Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship: “At ESPN, giving back to our local communities by providing reading resources is a significant and meaningful gift that allows for both academic success and personal growth. I am excited to partner with First Book to ensure thousands of Connecticut kids and educators have books of their own to take home.”
- Mayor Erin Stewart: “We are excited to partner with ESPN and spread the love of reading to our students. At a young age, I fell in love with reading and credit my successes in life to it. We are so grateful to ESPN and First Book for providing these free books to our students.”
- Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of Schools: “Daily reading leads to academic success, so we are so appreciative that ESPN and First Book are offering free new books at all reading levels to capture the interests of students throughout our entire school district. I know our children and families will benefit from bringing home new books of their own to enjoy, and our educators will also be able to enrich their classroom libraries with books that help engage their students more.”