Little books Big Love
Millions of children in the United States struggle with reading, and the challenge is especially great for kids from low income families. National assessments show that a large share of elementary students are not reading at grade level, with many falling behind foundational skills that are critical for future success. Lower income students are significantly more likely to read below proficiency than their peers. In Iowa, data indicates that a majority of fourth graders are not reading at the expected level, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds face even greater barriers. These gaps in literacy can have lifelong impacts on education, opportunity, and economic stability. Through this book drive, we want to put more books into the hands of children who need them most, because access to books and reading support can make a powerful difference in a child’s learning journey.
The Little Books Big Love book drive will run from February 1 through February 28. Donation drop boxes are located at multiple businesses and community locations throughout Waukee Iowa, making it easy to participate. All donated books will be distributed back into the community through trusted local partners, including United Way programs, local schools and preschools, hospitals, and churches. These organizations work directly with children and families in need, ensuring the books reach kids who will benefit from them the most. Every donated book helps support literacy, learning, and opportunity right here in our community.
The Little Books Big Love book drive will run from February 1 through February 28. Donation drop boxes are located at multiple businesses and community locations throughout Waukee Iowa, making it easy to participate. All donated books will be distributed back into the community through trusted local partners, including United Way programs, local schools and preschools, hospitals, and churches. These organizations work directly with children and families in need, ensuring the books reach kids who will benefit from them the most. Every donated book helps support literacy, learning, and opportunity right here in our community.
When children are surrounded by words, stories, and meaningful conversation, they build far more than reading ability. These early experiences strengthen communication, patience, empathy, and foundational literacy skills that support success in school and later in life. Even at the earliest ages, simply touching and exploring books helps infants begin developing readiness for learning. Reading together also supports key developmental benefits, including stronger awareness of letters and sounds, expanded vocabulary, improved listening and focus, and a clearer understanding of how stories are structured. Sharing books with children sparks curiosity, supports memory, and introduces them to new ideas, places, and experiences beyond their everyday world. The comfort of reading together can ease anxiety and help children form a lasting, positive connection to books that stays with them as they grow.
Dropbox Locations:
Fit & Fierce 515 (Alysha Davis)
B-Bops Waukee (Neil Johnson)
Ostrander Piano Studio (Marcy Ostrander)
Kitchen Refresh (Jimmy Bach)
Senior Helpers Urbandale (Marcy Ostrander)
Farrells Grimes (Natalie Vorland)
Chicken Coop WDM (Felicia Kaufman)
Letsch Law Firm Grimes (Bethany Jeffries)
Renewed Skin Solutions (Vanessa Lamont)
Sugar Creek Elementary (Liz Griesel)
Dropbox Locations:
Fit & Fierce 515 (Alysha Davis)
B-Bops Waukee (Neil Johnson)
Ostrander Piano Studio (Marcy Ostrander)
Kitchen Refresh (Jimmy Bach)
Senior Helpers Urbandale (Marcy Ostrander)
Farrells Grimes (Natalie Vorland)
Chicken Coop WDM (Felicia Kaufman)
Letsch Law Firm Grimes (Bethany Jeffries)
Renewed Skin Solutions (Vanessa Lamont)
Sugar Creek Elementary (Liz Griesel)