Many children lack books, and without books to read, literacy suffers.

When literacy suffers, education and opportunities decline. In celebration of children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2, Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children is collecting books to place in the hands of children in Beaufort and Hyde counties.

The annual drive relies on community partners in the area. At Beaufort County Community College, books were collected by the TRIO program, which provides support services for students who are first-generation college students.

TRIO collected 10 boxes of books or approximately 300 books from around BCCC’s campus.

Donated books will be located in Reach Out and Read clinics and in children’s book boxes at summer feeding program sites, health departments, departments of social services, emergency rooms and urgent care facilities, dental offices, eye care clinics, little libraries, the women’s shelter, Coastal Pregnancy Center and local businesses, such as hair salons, pharmacies, restaurants, veterinary offices, fitness centers and convenience stores.

“Thanks to TRIO, we have an awesome start to this year’s children’s book drive,” said Lisa Woolard, executive director of Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children. “We are so appreciative of the work they do and for serving as a community partner in placing books directly in the hands of children and their families.”

First-generation college students, low-income students and students with disabilities are eligible to participate in TRIO. Participants receive academic tutoring, academic guidance, assistance with information on financial aid programs, resources for locating public and private scholarships, education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy and assistance with transferring and transitioning to four-year institutions. TRIO/Student Support Services also provides individualized and group career preparation and development, cultural enrichment activities and leadership development opportunities.

For more information about becoming a partner in the book drive, contact Kris Bowen at 252-975-4647, ext. 7, at Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children. For more information about TRIO, contact Dorothy Jordan at 252-940-6287.