MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce, along with AIDT, conducted a book drive as part of National Reading Month, collecting about 200 books for donation to help advance a reading initiative organized by Montgomery Public Schools.

The gift benefited the Montgomery school system’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program, which puts books into the homes of parents of preschool and young students and helps them prepare their kids for reading in the classroom. The books were presented to HIPPY this week.

“As a former teacher, I know there is nothing more paramount in our state than our children’s education. I have made early childhood literacy a major focus of my education initiative to ensure our youngest learners are given a strong start to their educational journeys,” Governor Kay Ivey said.

“I commend the Alabama Department of Commerce and AIDT for partnering together to promote one of our administration’s main priorities by hosting this book drive. I know the Montgomery Public Schools’ Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program will greatly benefit from these efforts, ultimately passing a love of reading on to our youth,” she added.

Commerce organized the book drive after Governor Ivey encouraged her Cabinet to support National Reading Month in March.

“Literacy is a top priority for Governor Ivey, and we at Commerce and AIDT wanted to embrace this worthy cause by putting books in the hands of eager young learners and encouraging an appreciation for reading,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“Education is the primary driver to move Alabama forward, and it all starts with our young students reading books.”

(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)