SEPTA and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania are partnering to collect new and gently read books for distribution to community centers, homeless shelters, daycare centers, and schools in our region. SEPTA will accept book donations from Monday, October 25 through Friday, October 29, 2010.
“We are always touched by the generous spirit SEPTA riders show when we’ve asked them to help others around the region,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “We invite them to share the joy of reading, it’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.”
The “A Good Book Is A Great Treat” book collection campaign promotes the importance of literacy in our communities. In that reading is the key to learning, providing books to children is particularly important.
Jill Michals, President and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, said: “Reading is important at every age. Up until 3rd grade, kids are learning to read, but from the 4th grade on, they’re reading to learn.”
Through the “A Good Book Is A Great Treat” book collection campaign, riders can help build childhood literacy by joining SEPTA to create the chance for adventure, fun and education that can only be found in the pages of a book. SEPTA customers know well that riding on a bus, train or trolley offers an opportunity to relax and read a good book. The book collection campaign will make it possible for children – as well as teens and adults – to enjoy a good book, too.
Catie C. Wolfgang, Mayor Nutter’s Chief Service Officer, said, “In order to meet the Mayor’s goal of raising the city’s high school graduation rate to 80 percent by 2015, we have to make sure young people fall in love with reading when they are young, so that they have the tools they need to achieve to their full academic potential.”
SEPTA riders who want to participate in the collection campaign, should bring their books (especially those for children) to the following collections points conveniently placed at major transit stations and hubs: SEPTA Headquarters Lobby at 1234 Market Street; Suburban Station and Market East Station; University City Station and Temple University Station; Fern Rock Transportation Center; AT&T Station – Broad Street Line; 69th Street Terminal Grand Hall; Frankford Transportation Center; Olney Transportation Center; Norristown Transportation Center.
Riders can also contribute to the campaign by texting “PHILLYBD” to 864833 to make a onetime donation of $5, which will be added to their mobile phone bill or deducted from their prepaid balance. Donations are collected for the benefit of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania by the mGive Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mGive.com/A.
