Monroe – KEDM Public Radio, 90.3 FM, will provide books to second grade students at area schools as part of the “Give the Joy of Learning” year-end fundraising campaign.
The campaign, now in its ninth year, provides books to second grade students in twenty schools in six school districts across five parishes in northeast Louisiana. The program has now distributed over 10,000 books to area schools since its inception.
This year’s campaign aims to impact 1,200 students in twelve area schools.
According to the Institute of Educational Science, 72 percent of public school fourth graders in Louisiana are unable to read at grade level.
“Research shows that shared book reading and the availability of books in a home during a child’s early years is a strong link to academic achievement,” said Membership Coordinator Candace Tingle. “Promoting childhood literacy is one small way we can work to improve our community and make a difference for the future.”
“KEDM listeners are lifelong learners, and they love to share that passion for learning,” said General Manager Jay Curtis. “This project invites our community to impact a child’s life with a gift of literacy.”
When donors give to KEDM between now and December 6, the station will deliver a book in the donor’s name to a child in an area school. Each $20 donation places one book in the hands of a child. A $100 donation sends 5 children home for the holidays with books.
KEDM staff and volunteers will deliver books to Barkdull Faulk Elementary, Berg Jones Elementary, Carver Elementary, Clara Hall Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Madison J. Foster Elementary, and Minnie Ruffin Elementary in the Monroe City School system; Lenwil Elementary, Riser Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary, and Swayze Elementary in Ouachita Parish Schools; Glen View Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary and Lincoln Preparatory School in Lincoln Parish; Union Parish Elementary in Union Parish; Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary in Jackson Parish; and Delta Elementary and Morehouse Elementary in Morehouse Parish.
The project is part of KEDM’s overall fundraising campaign for station operations.
The campaign is sponsored by Friends of KEDM, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita.
KEDM is a public service of the University of Louisiana Monroe, airing NPR News, the Music of the Delta, classical, and other entertainment from studios in Sandel Hall and streaming online at KEDM.org. The station relies on funding from listeners, local businesses, ULM, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Listen and give online at KEDM.org and follow the station as KEDM Public Radio on Facebook, @90.3kedm on Instagram, and on YouTube.
For more information, please visit KEDM.org or call 318-342-5575.
