Greater Gallatin United Way in partnership with Barnes and Noble are “Giving The Gift Of Literacy” through their annual Holiday Book Drive, running now through December. You can share the gift of literacy by purchasing a book to donate.  A helpful display of book recommendations for children are located at each register.

Greater Gallatin United Way and their many partners distribute the books to children and families with to ensure all children have a book to read of their own at home.  The goal is for ALL our children to have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life!

2012-13 Distribution Highlights Include:
• At the Belgrade Fall Festival Parade Greater Gallatin United Way handed books to children and families along the parade route from their float, titled “FALLing in love with books.”  One excited child remarked, “This is the best part of the parade!”
• The Early Childhood Community Council (ECCC) distributed books at several events, including Child Development Day & New Student Registration held at the Bozeman Public Library, Preschool Fair & Parade of Preschools, Family Forums held in Bozeman, Livingston, Belgrade, and Big Sky.
• Gallatin City-County Health Department distributed books on home visits as part of their Maternal Child Health Program.  The program utilizes the Parents As Teachers evidence-based home visiting model.  This model encourages home visitors to give a children’s book at every home visit in an effort to support our parents reading with their children.
• Greater Gallatin United Way kidsLINK Afterschool Program adds to and enhances after school program libraries.  In addition, Program Coordinators give books to families participating in the programs.
“Giving and sharing the gift of reading is one of the best ways to achieve students’ academic performance.  It helps with fluency, comprehension, spelling, and overall language development.  Reading is also a wonderful pastime. ”
• Child Care Connections used books in their Service Provider Program  for training and education of child care providers.  In addition books were distributed to families in their Family Service Program.