Mountain America Celebrates Read Across America Day

With 90% of a child’s critical brain function developed by age five, early childhood literacy provides children with the foundation for further learning and development. A National Adult Literacy survey found that children are three to four times more likely to drop out of school in later years if they have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter kindergarten. Yet, an estimated 61% of U.S. children living in low-income families do not have a single book in their home.
 
For the second year, Mountain America Credit Union and the Arizona Coyotes have partnered with Southwest Human Development to expand access to books and promote literacy. As the largest early childhood development nonprofit in Arizona, Southwest Human Development provides vital resources to 140,000 families and professionals each year.
 
To celebrate Read Across America Day, Mountain America hosted a book drive at the Arizona Coyotes home game on February 27. All book donations will be distributed to children in need throughout Arizona via Southwest Human Development’s literacy initiatives.
 
Launched in spring 2020, the Mountain America Virtual Library is a free resource that gives children access to books. To access the Virtual Library or make a donation to Southwest Human Development, please visit helpazkids.org.