Children who can't read, can't succeed. A home environment rich in books and inhabited by people who love to read is an early indicator of a child's future success in the classroom and in life.

Often, children in low-income families grow up without books because food and shelter are the priority. As a result, many start school behind - and stay behind.

The BVC partners with child care centers and schools that serve low-income pre-schoolers to make sure that children get the chance to succeed in reading. The BVC has given more than 11,000 children brand-new, age-appropriate books to take home and keep. Employee volunteers collect, sort, bag, and deliver the books and often remain in the classroom to read to the children.