WACO, Texas — In partnership with HEB, Waco Housing Authority (WHA), Bankston’s Comic Books and 6 News, Literary Connexus hosted their 'Book Blast' event at the WHA on Wednesday, July 17.
Connexus volunteer Linda English said during the summer, it's important to meet the kids where they are.
"Some kids do not have access to libraries," English explained. "We try to work at free summer feeding sites or we try to work at public housing places where kids are already going to be congregating."
The event lasts for two days and kids will be served pizza (donated by Pizza Hut), fruit, popsicles and water/Capri Sun. The goal is for the kids to build their home libraries and keep their literacy high during the summer.
During the 6 News Inaugural Book Drive in May, 6 News viewers donated 1,200 books that contributed to making this event happen. HEB also provided Connexus with a grant to purchase as many books as needed.
"If they're not reading during the summer, they're likely to experience what we call the 'summer slide' in reading," English explained. "They can actually go back to school in August with lower reading skills than when they ended school the previous year in May. We want to help them just to keep charging ahead, not to lose any ground that they made in the previous school year."
There were also door prize drawings for adults who accompanied a child to the event. The Waco Fire Department, Waco Police Department Imagination Library and 6 News Anchor Micah Wilson also attended the event to read stories to the youth.
"They made it easy for us to get books," Waco parent Raveonne Allen shared. "Events like this for kids is so important."
In addition to the Book Blast event, WHA Community Service Event Coordinator Al Davis puts on year-round events during Juneteenth, Back-2-School and holiday events for Waco kids. One of his most prominent events over the last 20 years has been taking Waco kids on college tours across the country.
"Grades nine through 12 go out and visit different colleges and universities every summer," Allen said. "It's great for them to get out of their element and see a different life."
The next 'Book Blast' event is Thursday, July 18 from 4-6 p.m. at the Kate Ross Public Housing Community Center (937 S. 11th St, Waco 76706). 6 News Anchor Jasmin Caldwell will be in attendance reading stories to the kids.