New York,
NY (August
16,
2004) --
Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company, and Kids in Distressed Situations Inc. (K.I.D.S.), a national charity that facilitates donations to needy children through a network of non-profit agencies, today announced a book grant donation of 100,000 books to the children of several Native American communities in North Dakota, South Dakota and New Mexico. The donation was made possible through the
Scholastic Book Grants Program, a corporate in-kind giving initiative that provides high-quality reading materials to the nation's most needy children.
Native American tribes experience poverty and seek resources to adequately support the educational growth of the communities' children. According to the Nation's Report Card (2003 National Assessment of Educational Progress), 53 % of fourth grade Native American children read below grade level. With these statistics and limited access to quality reading materials, this donation will bring the joy of reading to Native American children while helping them develop critical reading skills.
“Our goal is to ensure that each book donation we make has a significant impact on fostering and improving literacy in communities and regions where the need is greatest,” says Karen Proctor, Vice President of Community Affairs and Government Relations.
K.I.D.S. has had a long relationship with tribal communities across the country because of its commitment to reaching the nation's most at-risk children.
Dr. Janice Weinman, president of Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc., commented, “This is a wonderful partnership between a major publisher of children's books and educational materials, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to the well-being of children in need, and the local community in which children are being served. K.I.D.S. is proud of our role in distributing products where it can make a difference in the academic and emotional development of children.”
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site,
www.scholastic.com .
About Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S)
Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) is a national charity of leading retailers and manufacturers of children's products committed to helping children in need. K.I.D.S. encourages and facilitates donations of new apparel, shoes, toys, juvenile products, books and other items that benefit children who are living in poverty, are ill, or are the victims of natural disasters.