Florida First Lady Ann Scott, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Education Foundation (FEF) and independent booksellers will be hosting an event to help schools hit by Hurricane Michael earlier this month.
On Monday, the Education Department announced it would hold “Re-book to Re-build" with sales at independent bookstores across Florida raising money to help schools hurt by the hurricane to buy books for their classrooms and libraries.
Bayou Books in Niceville, Books & Books in Coral Gables, MacIntosh Books in Sanibel Island, Midtown Reader in Tallahassee and Story & Song in Fernandina Beach will donate parts of their proceeds on Saturday and Sunday to help schools in the Panhandle.
“For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege to promote literacy at Florida schools,” said Ann Scott. “Reading has always been important to our family, and I truly believe that a strong foundation of literacy is important for students to achieve their dreams and career goals. Since Hurricane Michael made landfall, my husband, Rick, has worked hard to get communities back on their feet. The Re-book to Re-build program is a wonderful opportunity to help impacted schools receive the resources necessary for students to succeed.”
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart also talked about the program on Monday.
“Soon, all school districts will have reopened following Hurricane Michael, but many students’ schedules have been adjusted and school locations have changed. Florida educators at every level are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth return for students after having experienced unimaginable destruction, and these grants will be a great help. I am grateful to the participating booksellers, not only for their financial contributions, but for showing our students what it means to care for one another,” Stewart said.
“The Florida Education Foundation is proud to partner with Florida’s independent booksellers and the Department of Education to support local communities and schools in their recovery from Hurricane Michael,” said FEF Chair Connie Smith. “Through the Re-book to Re-build: Hurricane Relief Fundraiser, the Foundation continues its commitment to improving Florida’s education system so that every student has access to the resources they need to learn and achieve.”
“A percentage of sale proceeds will be invested in local literacy grants for school districts and educators to purchase books for schools impacted by Hurricane Michael. Those who are unable to visit one of the following locations can give a tax-deductible gift to the Florida Education Foundation," the Education Department noted. “The Re-book to Re-build: Hurricane Relief initiative is aimed at helping school districts, students and communities hit the hardest by Hurricane Michael recover their libraries and for students to rediscover the joy of reading.”
