Photo courtesy of United Way of San Diego County
United Way of San Diego County is asking the community to donate children’s books to support National Read Across America Day on Wednesday. Its partners, Warwick’s La Jolla and Libélula Books & Co. in Barrio Logan, are hosting a “Buy One, Give One” campaign to benefit UWSD as well as Free Little Libraries. UWSD hopes to collect 1,000 books by March 31 to increase children’s access to books at home.
“Every year, the goal for our Read Across America book drive is to not only spark a love for reading in our San Diego students in need, but also to build up their home libraries to create a world of imagination, adventure and wonder,” said Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “We hope our efforts help end the disparities in our community and give every child, no matter their circumstance, the opportunity to dream, grow and be whoever they want to be.”
Donors can purchase books online through warwicks.com and uwsd.org/read, or in person at Warwick’s La Jolla and Libélula Books & Co. Monetary donations are also being accepted at uwsd.org/read.
A $95,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California will go toward San Diego Rescue Mission’s residential program for adults experiencing homelessness. The yearlong program, Mission Academy, aims to help people overcome problems that are contributing to their homelessness and assist with the education and skills needed to get a job.
“The grant is truly a blessing that will help the Rescue Mission meet its goal of getting those experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty and addiction off the streets permanently,” said Donnie Dee, CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission. “The grant from United Healthcare will be used to help these vulnerable, economically-disadvantaged San Diegans free themselves from homelessness by acquiring the skills necessary to find gainful employment and become self-sufficient.”