American Heritage Credit Union donated more than 3,900 new books to local hospitals, community centers and special care facilities throughout the region during its 15th annual Books for Kids program. This year’s program collected more than $11,500 in donations from members throughout the summer and fall to purchase and distribute the books. Since its inception, the program has donated more than 69,200 books and raised over $163,500.
American Heritage invited members to support its Books for Kids program by becoming “Book Buddies” and donating $3 to purchase a new book to be donated to local hospitals and organizations in American Heritage’s field of membership. When a member purchases a book donation, a label is included with the donor’s name and affixed inside the book.
American Heritage also made a special book donation to the “Reach Out and Read” program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatrics by giving books to children during visits and educating their parents on the importance of reading with their young ones.
“Each year, we continue to see the growing challenges our children and schools face, as well as an increasing need for book donations,” said Bruce K. Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage. “Educational enrichment and literacy are rights that every child deserves. I am deeply appreciative of the commitment our credit union family has in promoting early literacy efforts and am thankful for the contributions of our Board of Directors, associates and valued members who contribute to this annual program and help to advance this worthy cause.”
Among the recipients were Catholic Community Services, CORA Services, Federation Early Learning Services, MaST Community Charter School and Special People In Northeast. ••
