CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Students at Gloria Hicks Elementary School received five free books today as part of the “If You Give a Child a Book” campaign, in partnership with the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Heil Law Firm. The initiative targets Title I schools \u2014 low-income schools \u2014 in communities where Scripps stations operate, distributing books through free Scholastic book fairs throughout the school year and giving students the power to choose their own books.<\/p>\n
School librarian Andrea Martinez said the program has already made a measurable difference.<\/p>\n
“We have seen such an increase in their reading this year. We have 1st graders reading at a 3rd grade level and several students that are reading 2 years ahead,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Student Aaron Lopez Calas shared his enthusiasm for the books he received.<\/p>\n
“I like to read so much,” Lopez Calas said.<\/p>\n
“I liked the five books so much that I wanted to read until 12 at night but I couldn’t because I had to sleep,” Lopez Calas said.<\/p>\n
This is the second time these students have received free books through the campaign. In January, they received five books as well. <\/p>\n
The campaign is 100% donor-funded, with all money staying in the local community and every dollar donated going directly toward purchasing books for children in need. To date, the campaign has distributed more than 1 million books. The Heil Law Firm is one of the biggest contributors to this campaign. <\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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