Ferst Readers announced today that it has received a $2,500 donation from State Farm Insurance to provide quality books to Paulding County children. Children enrolled in Ferst Readers will receive a new book mailed to them at home every month from birth until their fifth birthday. Along with each book, parents will receive literacy resources that explain simple strategies to help their children become successful readers, all at no cost to the family.

“We are very grateful for this generous gift from State Farm,” said Davida Morgan-Washington, Ferst Readers President and CEO. “The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. By getting great quality books in the home and supporting parents as their child’s first teacher, we are putting children firmly on the path to success in school and in life. With many childcare centers and libraries closed due to COVID-19, providing literacy resources for children in the home is now more important than ever.”

Avid supporter and State Farm agent Suzanne Whitworth knows the value of the Ferst Readers program first-hand. “My family has been blessed with beautiful books from Ferst Readers since 2010 for both of our children,” said Mrs. Whitworth. “Our daughter just turned five and received her final book. My husband and I paused to acknowledge this special organization and the hours of reading we have experienced in our home. We are ecstatic to give to Ferst Readers through Suzanne Whitworth State Farm Agency.”  

Ferst Readers was founded in 1999 and has been active in Paulding County since 2016. The program is made possible by an all-volunteer Paulding County Community Action Team, and funding is provided through private donations, corporate sponsorships and grants. Over 7,000 books have been mailed to Paulding County children. The cost to support a child in the program for one year is only $36.