KHOU 11, a Houston-based news station, has initiated its annual Turn The Page book drive, aiming to address the literacy crisis affecting children in the local community. The campaign seeks to provide access to books for children who may otherwise lack resources, particularly those from low-income families.
Statistics reveal a troubling reality: children who do not read at grade level by the end of Grade 3 have only a 1 in 8 chance of catching up, and they are four times more likely to drop out of school. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that 61 percent of low-income households do not have books at home. Research indicates that children in these environments are less likely to complete a basic education compared to their peers with access to books.
10 Years of Impact and Future Goals
As part of the campaign’s tenth anniversary, KHOU 11 has partnered with the non-profit organization Books Between Kids. This collaboration has already led to the distribution of over 100,000 books to children in the Houston area through monetary and book donations. The goal for this year’s campaign is to collect 20,000 books to further support literacy initiatives.
The Turn the Page campaign runs until April 17, 2024, providing multiple avenues for community involvement. Donations can be made online, or individuals can drop off new or gently used books at designated sponsor locations across the city.
How to Participate
An in-studio telethon will take place on April 15 from 16:00 to 19:00, during which community members can call 713-654-1111 to make contributions. This telethon aims to engage the public in reaching the ambitious goal of 20,000 books.
Major sponsors and community partners include Frost Bank, Genesis Medical Group, Mac Haik Chevrolet, Sam Houston Race Park, and Blue Willow Bookshop, along with select Houston public libraries.
Through the Turn the Page initiative, KHOU 11 and its partners strive to foster a culture of reading and learning, transforming the future for countless children in Houston. The community is encouraged to join this vital effort and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
