On The Cusp of National Book Week Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association Fosters the Gift of Reading
To help ensure that local children build strong reading skills and character, with exciting stories that model respect, responsibility and kindness, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association (MPNCDA) has partnered for the third consecutive year with the national literacy organization "Operation Outreach." In fact, in 2002 the Association became the first such new car dealers organization in the nation to offer its support to Operation Outreach. Now others have followed the Association's lead to enhance educational opportunities for children.

This year, the Association will donate up to $15,000 worth of books to children in as many as 15 elementary schools throughout the Portland metro area. Teachers use the books for classroom learning, and at the end of the term, each student receives the two books to take home along with a bilingual (Spanish) Parent Guide to ensure learning continuity. Teachers whose students have received the books acknowledge that the children are delighted when they realize that the books are theirs to keep Ð and for many of the children, it is the first book they have ever owned.

"Participating in Operation Outreach Ð and other programs that focus on education Ð reflects the Associations commitment to sustain metro area schools," expressed Kim Alfonso, MPNCDA board president. "As National Book Week approaches, Monday November 15, through Sunday, November 21, the Association encourages everyone to take time to help a child embrace the wonders of life that come from learning to read."