Cinemark USA Employees Present Books to Non-profit on Read Across America Day

Read Across America day on March 2nd reminded students about the importance of reading.  However, 61% of low-income families have no books in their homes for their children.  Fully aware of the importance of reading to educational development and clearly a company with heart, Cinemark USA’s corporate headquarters in Plano decided to try to change this statistic for families in North Texas.  To do so, they conducted a two week long drive for new books from their employees and also reached out to partners they work with for book donations.  The results are evidence of the generosity of their employees and true dedication to this effort.

On Read Across America day Cinemark USA presented local non-profit My Very Own Book with 319 new books, 287 donated by the employees and 32 donated by various partners.  My Very Own Book runs reading incentive programs in elementary schools in low-income neighborhoods in Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, and Dallas ISD.  Students read outside of school hours and are rewarded with new, free books of their choice.  In addition to motivating students to read in order to improve literacy skills, a large part of the program is getting books into the homes of families who often can’t afford to purchase their own new books.  The books presented by Cinemark USA will provide these students with the resources they need to be able to truly celebrate Read Across America day!

To learn more about My Very Own Book, visit http://www.myveryownbook.org.