Jul 14, 2021
PPL Foundation’s Cover to Cover program sparks love of reading for sixth straight year
Foundation donates 9,000 new books to 20 summer reading programs
Cover to Cover book donations
More than 6,000 students in grades K-3 will experience the joy of summer reading and reap the benefits of avoiding the "summer slide” through PPL Foundation’s Cover to Cover reading program. While the program looks a bit different this year due to school closures and COVID-19 safety protocols, the mission to inspire young readers, spark curiosity and encourage imagination remains.
Nearly 9,000 new books were donated to 20 summer reading programs throughout the company's 29-county service area. Cover to Cover helps children who would otherwise miss out on reading and learning opportunities in the summer. Not reading over the summer can cause these youngsters to fall behind as much as two grade levels by the fifth grade.
“Through the Cover to Cover program, we are able to help children who would otherwise miss out on reading and learning opportunities over the summer,” said Lissette Santana, chief operating officer of the PPL Foundation. “Seeing children’s faces and imaginations light up when they receive their books is inspiring to all who are a part of the program. PPL is proud to support students on their journey to a lifelong love of reading.”
PPL Foundation partnered with Cops 'n' Kids of the Lehigh Valley, WVIA in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Degenstein Library in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Lancaster Library in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Reads and many more local organizations to promote summer reading, distribute free books to students and help build diverse personal libraries for young children of color.
PPL Foundation’s book donations follow grants of more than $450,000 awarded this spring to 115 organizations working to improve child literacy through summer reading and learning programs.
To learn more about PPL’s Cover to Cover program, click here.
About the PPL Foundation
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania.
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