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FROM STAFF REPORTS

AmFirst has once again partnered with Better Basics and WVTM 13 in a three-part sponsorship initiative to raise awareness and support literacy efforts in the region. Better Basics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating illiteracy among children in Central Alabama.

Facts About Literacy in Alabama:

• 16 percent of Alabamians struggle with illiteracy.
• 79 percent of low-income children enter kindergarten without full alphabet knowledge.
• Children not reading at grade level by third grade and living in poverty are 13 times less likely to graduate high school.
• 60 percent of low-income families lack children’s books at home.

Now through Sunday, Oct. 20, AmFirst welcomes community participation in a book drive benefiting Better Basics. The books collected will be utilized by Better Basics teachers to support students in improving their reading skills, with each student receiving a book to take home, aiming to bridge the gap in low-income families’ access to children’s literature.

Anyone wishing to give may drop off a new children’s book inside any Central Alabama AmFirst branch. A similar drive earlier this year collected over 1,500 books for distribution to young readers in Central Alabama.

Those interested in learning more about Better Basics and its program may visit Betterbasics.org.

America’s First Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union with 21 branch locations in 13 counties throughout Alabama. With more than 200,000 members, AmFirst is one of the strongest credit unions in the nation and is committed to providing cost-effective financial services and quality member service.