Although the gifts have been unwrapped from under the Christmas tree, children in our community will continue to receive a special gift—the gift of literacy.  Thanks to many generous customer donations, First Book and Barnes & Noble together facilitated the donation of 3,593 books for the community's children. 

"The purpose is to allow children in our community to gain access to books that will foster a life-long love of learning," said Emily Hilton, United Way of Utah County's community involvement coordinator.

First Book is an international nonprofit organization with a simple mission: "To give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books." The organization's goal is to provide a continuous supply of books to children participating in community-based programs. First Book has donated more than 60 million low-cost or free books to children in need across the country. 

On a local level, First Book of Utah County has provided books to more than 500 children. Last year, seven literacy programs were recipients of 4,500 books through grants from the Utah County Advisory Board. 

 "This year's partnership with Barnes & Noble means we will have more quality books to distribute to existing county literacy programs and to the children they serve," said Stuart Collyer, First Book of Utah County's first chairperson and executive director of Kids On The Move.

Recipients of the books will be registered nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Interested parties should be a Title 1 or Title 1 eligible school or serve children where at least 80 percent are from low-income households. 

 The application deadline to receive books is February 20. Any interested parties should contact Emily Hilton at 374-2588 or emilyh@unitedwayuc.org. To find out more information on being a part of The First Book Board, contact Emily Hilton at 374-2588 or emilyh@unitedwayuc.org.