KTAR News’ Raise a Reader campaign collects 1,000 books to improve literacy in Arizona

PHOENIX — Early childhood education and literacy programs help children enter school ready to learn and build the skills they need to become successful readers while laying the foundation for lifelong literacy and success.

KTAR News’ Raise a Reader campaign kicked off on National Read Across America Day, March 2, to encourage the community to prioritize literacy.

KTAR, along with the five local Phoenix-area Subaru retailers, collected new and gently-used children’s books.

More than 1,000 books were collected and donated to Southwest Human Development.

The campaign even inspired one Valley man, Mike Austin, to learn to read at age 55.

Southwest Human Development’s mission is to strengthen the foundation Arizona’s children need for a great start in life.

“We are grateful for the name and brand awareness created by KTAR’s Raise a Reader campaign,” Annette Sufkin, senior manager of philanthropic experiences for Southwest Human Development, said.

“The books will be placed in Little Free Libraries throughout the community in order to help get books into the hands of kids who need them the most.”

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