Local non-profit Hopa Mountain and Country Bookshelf will be giving the gift of reading and adventure by hosting a Holiday Children’s Book Drive. Beginning December 1 through December 22, both Hopa Mountain and Country Bookshelf will be collecting new and gently used children’s books to be given to children who lack easy access to quality books.
“Reading books aloud with children helps to develop their language and listening skills and prepares them to read themselves.” explained Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer, executive director of Hopa Mountain. “Storytime is important parent and child bonding time too.”
A vast body of research has proven the many benefits of exposure to language—through talking, singing, and reading—on the developing brains of babies and children. Studies show that parent-child book sharing, along with extended parent-child conversations improve a child’s quality of life, brain development, and long-term health outcomes.
In order to give children across Montana access to high-quality reading materials this holiday season, you can purchase or drop off books at Country Bookshelf on Main Street in downtown Bozeman, at Hopa Mountain’s office located at 234 E. Babcock St, or call 406-586-2455 to arrange for the books to be picked up by Hopa Mountain staff. To learn more about Hopa Mountain’s initiatives, please visit www.hopamountain.org.
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