Putnam County

P.O. Box 4283
Eatonton, Georgia  31024
putnamcounty@ferstreaders.org

Putnam County’s Ferst Readers provides books for the children of Putnam County and currently has 980+ children enrolled to receive a monthly book. We work with local schools and organizations to register eligible children and then with your support, we will continue to raise the $36 per year to provide our young readers with a foundation for success by covering the cost of books.

2020 Joint Greene-Putnam Fall Adopt-A-Reader Campaign

 
Give the gift of Literacy … a gift that will last a lifetime!

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Ferst Readers is a publicly funded non-profit organization that promotes the development of early childhood literacy skills in children from birth to age 5, especially those who need the most help with getting access to age-appropriate books for their home. Using donations from people in our own local counties, we mail a FREE book a month to every registered child, along with a copy of our “Leap Into Books” newsletter which has guides for parents about reading to their child and additional fun and creative supplementary activity ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

Research has shown that reading regularly to children during the critical, formative years develops language and literacy skills that directly correspond with school success. The single most important predictor of academic achievement and future success is the ability to read. When children enter kindergarten with pre-reading and literacy skills, they are ready to learn with confidence and are on their way to success. While Ferst Readers cannot address all of the issues of early development, it can eliminate one reason why parents don’t read to their children: the non-availability of quality, age-appropriate books in the home.

Why We Are Contacting You Right Now…

Each Fall as a new school year begins, Ferst Readers of Greene and Putnam Counties have traditionally held an annual adopt-a-reader fundraising campaign to raise the funds needed to buy books  and mail them at the excellent rate of just $36 a year per child. The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 have created uncertainties that remain for the months ahead. Therefore, we have had to make the decision to cancel plans for a physical event and raffle ticket sales and are asking instead for your direct support of simply making a donation to sponsor one (or more!) children for the coming year. While we realize that many charities are appealing to you for support throughout the year, please know that a contribution to your local Ferst Readers program is an extremely worthwhile investment in making a difference in the lives of our own children and the future of our own local area. 

You can adopt-a-reader by mailing your tax-deductible donation to P. O. Box 4283 Eatonton, Ga  31024 or by donating online through the following link:

Adopt-A-Reader in Ferst Readers of Greene and Putnam Counties

2020 seuss on the Loose Festival - March 7, 2020

We couldn't have a successful festival

without all of this year's

sponsors and contributors

Raffle Prize Donors:

1. Ms. Lynnette Kelly-autographed cookbook included in a basket of cooking gadgets
2. Holloway’s Ace Hardware, Marsha Lutz - Football
3. Spa & Patio Center of Lake Oconee-Amy Third - 2 Marshmallow Roasters
4. Holly Parker- Egg Gourd w/Uncle Remus design
5. Mrs. Mona Betzel - flannel Seuss blanket
6. Zaxby’s-Randy Mason-$25 gift certificate
7. Rec. Dept-Scott Haley-1 certificate for free registration for any sport
8. Mellow Mushroom-David Hudson $20 gift certificate
9. Quite-a-Pair-Juliet Ruhl-designer picture frame
10. 44 Marketplace-Pam Haskins-$25 gift certificate
11. Duffey’s Door Décor, Kenly Overton- Bunny Door Hanger
12. Lake Oconee Ace Hardware-John David Hallman-Magnetic Toss Game

                                                        Pictures of past  “Seuss on the Loose” festival.  Fun for everyone!!

One of Putnam Ferst Readers's continuing literacy outreach efforts along with the Eatonton-Putnam County Library is creating partnerships with local business/organizations to build and install "little libraries" throughout Putnam County.  These mini "take a book/leave a book" stations provide a super-easy way to support reading for everyone and to connect with the community.

We currently have Little Libraries at the following locations.
    


* Putnam County Oconee Springs Park                        * Putnam Christian Outreach  
       
* Putnam Department of Family/Children Services        * Crooked Creek Community Association

* Putnam County Health Department                            * Putnam County Recreation Department

* Putnam Center of Central Georgia TechnicalCollege   * Plaza Arts Center 

* Eatonton Police Department                                    *Twin Bridges Fire Department

                          
*Flat Rock Fire Department

      

Hannah and Eliana were thrilled to choose a book from the Little Library located at The Plaza Community Center.

Liam found a great book to read from the Little Library located at Flat Rock Fire Department.

You, employees, friends or fellow organization members can sharpen your carpentry skills by building a library as well as hosting one on your property.  It's a "win/win" for your organization and Putnam's citizens. 

 Putnam Ferst Readers's Quarterly Newsletters:

Our CAT volunteers love working with the children in our community and schools.

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