Meijer Reaches Out for Reading

Meijer Inc. and Random House Children's Books are joining forces with First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books to children in need, to give 68,000 brand-new, high-quality books to children from low-income families in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

“Books are essential tools children need to thrive, and Meijer is proud to partner with Random House and First Book to ensure children have these great, new books before the holidays,” said Mark Chenier, media buyer for Meijer. “Not only do books help children master literacy skills, they are instrumental in developing imaginations.”

The books will go to children at local schools and community programs in First Book’s national network. Random House has long been one of First Book’s most generous publishing partners, providing more than 1 million new books every year.

“We’re delighted that Meijer and Random House have stepped up to put new books into the hands of children who so desperately need them,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book’s president and CEO. “We know that reading skill is the No. 1 predictor of success in school, and now tens of thousands of kids will have new books in time for the holidays.”

First Book has distributed more than 90 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.