For children who struggle to read, the classroom can feel daunting and overwhelming.
Approximately two-thirds of Arkansas youths read below grade level, some significantly so. Yet, many have been allowed to transition to subsequent grade levels despite low literacy abilities, when being held back at least one year, especially at a beginning grade level, K-3, would have given them the opportunity to provide additional time to mature and develop better literacy skills, enabling them to function more efficiently at more advanced levels of schooling where basics in literacy education are no longer a primary focus.
That’s one of the reasons the Toys for Tots Literacy Program partners with schools serving low-income communities across the nation to promote the importance of literacy and help strengthen children’s reading and communication skills. By providing direct access to books and meaningful reading experiences, we help children build the foundation they need for success in school and beyond.
Without access to age-appropriate books and consistent reading support, confidence fades and learning can become harder with each passing year. That challenge is especially real for students attending Title I funded schools, where resources are often limited, and families face financial barriers beyond their control.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Nationally, The Toys for Tots Foundation partners with NAESPA, the National Association of ESEA — Elementary and Secondary Education Act — State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) with our annual Title I School project. During March, which is National Reading Month, NAESPA forwards a letter from the Foundation’s President & CEO, Lt. Gen. James B. Laster, to their network of State Program Administrators with instructions on how to request support from the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The State Program Administrators then distribute that information to Title I schools who then submit their requests. We provide reading level appropriate books that focus on topics, as much as possible, on subjects that provide children with the tools necessary to be successful throughout their lives. These books focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and titles that provide entertainment and enrichment. Due to the generosity of our donors, books are shipped directly to the schools at no cost to them. You, our amazing donors, increase the number of books children receive annually through your generous contributions to this important program.
Overall, The Toys for Tots Literacy Program distributed 2.8 million books in 2025 and has distributed over 63 million books to disadvantaged children in communities across the country since the Program’s inception in 2008. Locally this spring, The Local Toys for Tots Literacy Program serving Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson and Lincoln Counties of Arkansas has already provided more than 400 books to elementary schools because of your generosity. Schools desiring books for their scholars or a teacher needing a specific reading book for their class may write to pine.bluff.ar@toysfortots.org to inquire.
In summary, literacy forms the foundation of communication and impacts many areas of a child’s life including academic achievement, interacting with others and the ability to be successful throughout life. We would love and welcome your assistance with this endeavor.
Join us in supporting literacy and learning by celebrating National Reading Month and supporting our Toys for Tots Literacy Program — because every child deserves the chance to write a chapter of change. We are currently seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books and Christian fiction and nonfiction for all ages, 0-18. Books in a new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Hearld Office, Rison Pharmacy, JB Speedy Burger, Ephesus Bookstore, McFarland Eye Care, Cable Lynx and Oliver Furniture. Of course, we always also accept toys, games, puzzles and other meaningful donations. Checks, cashier’s checks or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to TfT Coordinator Matthew Yarnell, P.O. Box 199, Rison, AR 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Herald Office or Rison United Methodist Church. You can also donate online at this website. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.