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Our Story
Books for Kids Columbia Gorge has been positively impacting literacy in the Gorge for more than two decades. Previously known as "First Book Hood River County," the grass-roots organization has recently re-branded and expanded its reach to include Wasco, Klickitat, and Skamania Counties.
Books for Kids Columbia Gorge is on a mission to increase education equity by providing new, high-quality books to kids in the Columbia Gorge Region who need them most. This mission is informed by research showing that books in the home lead to greater educational attainment and skills in adulthood.
To date, Books for Kids Columbia Gorge is 100% volunteer run, through contributions of its active advisory board.
Advisory Board
Nancy Johanson Paul
Chairperson
Karen Stafford
Secretary
Dave Radley
Treasurer
Karen Porter
Mid Columbia Children's Council
Laura Geraci Lenke
Oregon Child Development Coalition
Shira Skybinskyy
Four Rivers Early Learning & Parenting Hub
Steffanie Olson
Volunteer
Nadine Klebba
Volunteer
Make a Bigger impact
Become a board member!
The Books for Kids Advisory Board is seeking new members to guide and support the work we do. It’s a meaningful way to help more kids get the books they need to grow,
learn and thrive!
The time commitment required to be an Advisory Board member is only 15 hours year!
• Attend Advisory Board Meetings 6 times a year. Online meeting participation is always an option. Four meetings are 1 hour in length. Two are a bit longer, as described below.
• Attend 1.5-2 hour long meeting in late January to discuss applications and determine Book Awards.
• Attend 1.5-2 hour long meeting late May/ early June to review participant evaluations and initiate planning for coming year.
• Review applications and evaluations prior to meetings.
• Participate in the fall fundraising campaign by sharing information about Books for Kids Columbia Gorge with family, friends and social or service groups.
Books for Kids Columbia Gorge promotes literacy development by providing annual Book Awards to public schools and early childhood programs. Teachers and Specialists use Book Awards to shop at the First Book Marketplace where they can choose high-quality low cost books that fit the skill levels and Interests of their students. Books are used in program activities and then become the property of students and their families.
For more information or to join our board, please contact the Books for Kids Advisory Board at booksforkidscg@gmail.com
