First 5 San Bernardino gifts books to TK and Kindergarten Students

Santa Claus came early to Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School thanks to First 5 San Bernardino.

TK and Kindergarten students were the first of 4,000 children throughout San Bernardino City Unified School District being gifted a free book from First 5 San Bernardino as part of its Gift a Kid a Book campaign. Along with the visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the students also shared in a book reading of “Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and a holiday singalong.

“We are passionate about the role early reading has in a child’s development, and since the season of giving is upon us, there is no better time than now to give back to our young school children,” said Karen Scott, Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino. “Seeing the look of joy in their eyes when they received their book is just as magical as the season. It gives me confidence that the work we are doing at First 5 San Bernardino to encourage reading at a young age is having an impact.”

According to First 5 San Bernardino, literacy rates in young children have declined since the pandemic and First 5 San Bernardino is working to address early reading literacy loss by encouraging families to Gift a Kid a Book at every opportunity, such as swapping a toy for a book this holiday season.

“To have the support of local community organizations like First 5 San Bernardino means everything,” said Teresa Hopkins, Principal of Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School. “Our passion is helping these students develop and grow up to enjoy learning, so donations like these make us feel like a little bit of the weight is taken off our shoulders. The surprise of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing out books made today magical for our students … they will remember this day for a long time!”

Visit first5sanbernardino.org/reading for lists of book recommendations by age, a free downloadable bookmark and more important reading resources.