"We at the Morse and Lowell Early Childhood Centers DO have a success story to tell! Our program is part of the Kansas City, Kansas Public School System and we have participated in the Hooked on Books program for at least the past four years. Although housed in two buildings, we are guided by one principal, Debi Apple. Between the two locations, we serve approximately 290 children throughout the school year. The population is predominantly Hispanic and African-American and approximately 75% are on free or reduced meals. Our children are a combination of at-risk and special education students ranging from 3-5 years of age. As can be seen, we have a diverse and relatively poor population at our centers. A survey by one of our teachers indicated that almost half of her children had 5 or fewer books in their home. That is why your program has been invaluable for our children.
"In recent years we have had parent meetings at night where we provided explanations and demonstrations of how to use books to read and interact with their children. Each family left with a book to practice these skills. Your generosity has made it possible for our schools to create such a program.
"This year your kindheartedness has allowed us to “expand” our operation even further. Each child was able to select three books to take home and we still had extras! We have chosen to use those remaining books to establish a lending library for the children in our program. It is critical for our children to be exposed to a wide variety of literature so that a literacy base is established before they enter the elementary level. Your program is providing us with yet another avenue to achieve this goal. Our superintendent, Dr. Jill Shackelford, has vowed that our children entering kindergarten will be “ready to learn” and you have helped us work towards achieving that goal."
Morse Early Childhood Center, Sandy Fey, Speech/Language Pathologist
“Let me start by telling you a little about myself, I am a visually impaired student…Being visually impaired requires me to use a machine called a C.C. TV and what this machine does is magnifies my work by making the letters bigger. So this summer of 2008 I traveled half way around the universe because every book I read took place in a different setting you could say I imagined myself as the main character of the stories that I read. So in many ways reading has changed my life for the best… I’ve read from novels, mysteries, romance… reading has also changed my life because I am able to read more and have more knowledge I know that in the future I’ll have to use my reading skills in college…” N. Lopez, 16 years old
“Reading has changed many things in my life. It enhances my vocabulary, gives me something to do without the use electronic devices, and inspires me to become an author. Without reading I would use small words, and I would not know what other words mean. If I didn’t read, I would only use electronic devices in my leisure time. I like to imagine when I read, and with most of my leisure time I daydream about stories I want to write. I love to use my imagination a lot, and books have inspired me to become an author. Sometimes I draw what my mind sees when I close my eyes, and I make a story of that drawing. Books play a huge role in my life. They have told me that in my imagination there is no limit, and that it can be the same with my life... Books helped me get through elementary school, for all the kids teased me. I never noticed because my head was always stuck in a book. Books always took me to another place, and that is why I will always love them. A book unconsciously tells the reader how to deal with problems … Reading does more than anyone could believe. Because of reading, I have been inspired to do many things…” A. Chambers, 16 years old
“On behalf of the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI), thank you so very much for the donation of books through the Hooked On Books drive. Our children and teachers are thrilled to have new reading material for the classroom…We are truly grateful for the efforts of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri and The Kansas City Star. We applaud the Junior League for the difference it has made in the lives of our children and in our entire community.”- Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, Mary Lynne Dolembo, Executive Director
“On behalf of National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Kansas City Section, I want to thank…the Junior League for the books for our Kids and Teachers = School (KATS) project. These books will be used for our birthday parties which are given once a month for over 1500 students with a birthday that month and each student is given a book as a gift.” - National Council of Jewish Women, Ellen Dalen, President
“We wanted to let you know again how much the children have enjoyed (and moms appreciated) the books that Sheffield Place received from Hooked On Books this year! You know the books have made a difference when the kids carry them down to Project HOPE with them! Again, thank you for including Sheffield Place.” - Sheffield Place, Meghan Tallman, Development Director
“Thank you…for the books we received as part of your “Hooked On Books” program. Students chose books to take home and read on their own. They also chose books to share with the PACES (our on site daycare program) children. The experience prompted some writing and ‘photo ops’…Thank you again for a wonderful program!” - DeLaSalle Education Center, Linda Fargus, Focused Reading Teacher
“I am writing to express deep gratitude for the huge support that the Junior League of Greater Kansas City provided for the “hooked on Books” book drive. Our program received 3,500 books because of your efforts and these books will all find their way into the hands of children, many of whom have limited opportunities for books. The books were well sorted and we greatly appreciated the quality of the donation.” - Reach Out and Read Kansas City, Janice Dobbs, Book Coordinator
"Thank you very much for the Hooked on Books donation to my elementary school! I teach kindergarten at Crestview Elementary in Shawnee Mission. Each child in my school received their own book. For many, it was their first time having their own book! I wish you could see how many smiles you have put on the Crestview student's faces! Thanks so very much!" - Crestview Elementary, Tara Drake, Kindergarten Teacher
Hooked on Books Contact Info: HOB@jlkc.org or Hotline: (816) 997-8370
