Clay County schools to receive over 40k new books

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Clay County Schools will receive more than 40,000 new books to give to students, families and educators in Clay County through a nonprofit organization called “First Book.”

The books will be delivered to Green Cove Springs Junior High School on Friday.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, students and families will be able to start collecting books.

The Clay County Education Association and the Clay Educational Staff Professional Association volunteers along with district personnel will work together to unload the books into the school’s cafeteria, then sort through the books and organize them by age group.

Each student will be allowed up to 10 books if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and students will also have access to tote bags, bookmarks and journals while supplies last.

CESPA bus drivers have volunteered their time Saturday to provide transportation for students and their families from outlying Title 1 schools to the event.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share these books with our students again. CCEA is committed to improving the learning experience for all Clay County students,” said Renna Lee Paiva, CCEA president.

Superintendent Addison Davis said, “I am excited to partner with the Clay County Education Association to bring more than 40,000 books to our students for a second year. This initiative provides students the opportunity to connect with literacy at all times.

"Literacy is the foundation to learning and we must make that a priority in our school district and community. I am thankful for our partnership with CCEA and all the organizations that have helped make this event possible for our students.”

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. Since our founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 170 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families. First Book supports the largest and fastest growing network of educators and program leaders serving children in need. In partnership with these heroic educators and other organizations, First Book transforms lives by improving access to equal, quality education for all kids.

Cox Media Group