First Lady Directs Donation of 4,000 Children's Books

CHICAGO -- First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan today assisted Tim Hakin, President of Dominick's' Finer Foods, in donating 4,000 new children's books to the Literacy Volunteers of America. The Volunteers will distribute them throughout their volunteer network in Chicago.

"As Chair of the Futures for Kids, one of my goals is to see that available resources, like this generous donation of books, are sent to the organizations, schools and volunteers who need them the most," said Mrs. Ryan. "It is a wonderful holiday gift for all of the children who are served by the Literacy Volunteers of America."

Hakin, a member of the Futures for Kids Advisory Panel, asked Mrs. Ryan for her advice on where to donate this large quantity of single titles. The donation was a collaborative effort between Dominick's and Keebler. The Literacy Volunteers of America were chosen for their extensive network throughout the area.

Mrs. Ryan was welcomed this afternoon to Alain Locke Children's Academy (ALCA), a 21st Century Urban School. She was joined by students age 3-8, Vista Volunteers, Head Start Directors, administrators of the school, Inner-City Teaching Corps and Literacy Volunteers of America, and Ernie, the Keebler Elf.

21st Century Schools began out of the work of the Inner-City Teaching Corps, founded in 1996 by Pat Ryan, Jr., a former teacher and police officer in Chicago. ALCA, the host for today's event, serves the community of East Garfield Park on Chicago's West Side. Because of the dynamic education philosophy of the ALCA, they have achieved great results for their students.

Futures for Kids coordinates state agency programs for children and families for a comprehensive approach to the programs and policies that impact children's education, health and safety.