Yesterday, Mayor Mitch Roth kicked off the “Reach Out and Read” campaign alongside Hawaiʻi County‘s new Early Childhood Resource Coordinator, Angela Thomas.

The “Reach Out and Read” program aims to put books into the hands of families with young children to encourage a love of reading. Yesterday’s first delivery was to Dr. Angela Lind at the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center. Her son, Mario, was the first to get a book and special reading by Mayor Roth.

The first shipment of 5,000 books, which was received last month, is being divided with 2,500 available for distribution on each side of the Hawaiʻi island.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “Fostering lifelong learners is a key component to creating a sustainable future for our island that will allow families to thrive and succeed here for generations to come. Our administration is committed to solving the many issues plaguing our keiki and their parents and will continue to invest in programs that build childcare capacity, bolster workforce development in the childcare industry, and support the health and wellbeing of our local families.”

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Mayor’s Office