Deadline extended for free books for at-risk children

In a September editorial, we encouraged people who work with at-risk youth to sign up for free books. To qualify people were to sign up before the Oct. 1 deadline. However, since that number has not yet been reached, the time to register has been extended.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who works with children in need. Community Caring Council and the not-for-profit First Book have 40,000 books to give away -- 20 books for 2,000 people who register through the organization's Books on Wheels program.

But those books will not get into the hands -- and ultimately, the minds -- of young people if the adults do not take advantage of the offer. Please keep in mind that the offer is not just for traditional educators, but for anyone who works with at-risk children, such as "workers at school districts; early childhood programs; military-family support programs; libraries and museums; shelters and clinics; faith-based organizations; after-school programs; and others who work with children in need," as the Southeast Missourian's Katie Lamb recently reported.

Because books are so expensive, some may think this is too good to be true. A tractor-trailer is indeed ready to deliver them, but not until 2,000 sign up. It would be a shame for children to miss out. So please sign up and take advantage of the opportunity presented.

Only about 500 of the 2,000 allowed have signed up, so there's a long way to go. Stacy Taylor, asset coordinator at Community Caring Council, said, "If people have put it off, please go ahead and follow through with it, and help us get those books to kiddos in our community."

Please do. All children, particularly those considered at-risk, need books, which encourage reading advancement and academic success. These children need your signature. And you can't beat the price.