This past school year, more than 35 percent of low-income students in Bismarck and Mandan were not meeting third grade reading proficiency levels. Research indicates that failure to reach this benchmark makes children four times less likely to graduate from high school on time.
Knowing those numbers, MSA United Way will hosts it’s annual Coins for a Cause fundraiser in schools throughout the Bismarck-Mandan community to raise money for United Way’s Imagination Library. The event will run from Sept. 22 through Oct. 3.
Last year, local students collected over $14,000 to provide monthly books to nearly 575 area children. Free books are mailed to the homes of children from birth to age five in an effort to promote early childhood education and foster parent-child interaction – both of which are fundamental ingredients to future educational success. Research has shown that children who participate in the program gain the fundamental skills that prepare them for school.
Money raised will help cover shipping costs associated with the program. There are currently more than 3,400 local children enrolled in the program. Without additional sponsorships, the program will be unable to accept new registrants in our area.
“Coins for a Cause not only raises vital dollars for this important community program, it teaches children the importance of giving back,” says Jena Gullo, MSA United Way executive director. “Their spare coins will change a life.”
United Way’s Imagination Library is funded through MSA United Way. Coins for a Cause is sponsored by the Missouri Valley Family YMCA, Jerome Distributing and Dean Foods.
