Got children’s books? You can help local children see diversity in the books they read. The community is invited to inspire our young readers by donating new or gently used books for Pocono Mountains United Way’s second annual United We Read: Diversity Book Drive happening through March 4.

All books will be curated and donated to young readers throughout Monroe County as part of Pocono Mountains United Way’s education initiatives.

One of the barriers to reading for young children is a lack of books of their own. The United We Read: Diversity Book Drive is the organization’s annual literacy initiative to ensure that young readers would see themselves represented in the books they read. The initiative grew out of Pocono Mountains United Way’s commitment to equity and last year collected books that were distributed to local children through partners like Early Learning Resource Center, Nurse Family Partnership, Laundromat Library League, and to children in programs served by United Way.

”It’s especially important for young children to see characters that look like them in the books they read. These are books written by, illustrated by authors that represent different communities,“ said Michael Tukeva, president and CEO of Pocono Mountains United Way.

Last year companies and organizations in our community partnered with United Way to donate more than 1,500 books that were distributed to children between March and June, providing them with books to promote literacy.

Community businesses and individuals can support the drive by hosting a book drive, donating via United Way’s website, or purchasing books from Pocono Mountains United Way’s Amazon wish list. 100% of all donations made towards the book drive will go towards the purchase of diverse books for children in or community.

For more information about Pocono Mountains United Way, visit poconounitedway.org/