The Rotary Club of Savannah presented a check for $27,500 for the purchase of books to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System in the Media Center at A.B. Williams Elementary School. 

“We are excited to receive this generous donation from Rotary Club," said Dr. Kimberly Hancock, Associate Superintendent of Learning Support Services.  “With these funds, we will be able to furnish every PreK through grade 3 class a book that focuses on social emotional learning for their classroom library."   The book. Ruby Finds A Worry, is a perceptive and poignant story that provides the perfect springboard for talking to children about emotional intelligence and sharing hidden anxieties.  

The donation was part of an overall effort by the Rotary Club of Savannah.  “One of our missions is to support childhood literacy," said Ted Kleisner, president of the Downtown Rotary Club.  “Our goal is to provide books to students to help them prepare for a vibrant and productive future. Through programs like our Rotary Read-In, we raise awareness of the need for children to foster literacy and creativity in young children." 

E. Shaver Booksellers played an important role in this donation. Proprietors Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor helped select the books for the classrooms.  “E. Shaver Booksellers is humbled by the support our community has shown us during COVID so we are delighted to pay that forward by helping SCCPSS choose and distribute this wonderful picture book to classrooms across the county," said Ms. Osborne, who is a Rotary member. “Reading teaches empathy and respect, better preparing our children for the future."

The books will address the social and emotional needs of young children, which is especially important as we emerge from the restrictions of the pandemic.  “Reading on grade level is an important milestone and providing support for the whole child through reading together is one way we achieve our goals," Dr. Hancock continued.  

The event culminated with Dr. Levett reading to children from the school.

See more pictures from the event here.