Operation Breakthrough received $1,200 worth of brand-new books in June, thanks to nine area children who collected pledges from friends and family for reaching their goal of reading at least 300 minutes.

This is the second year that the Reach for the Stars reading incentive program has benefited Operation Breakthrough. The program was managed by Alison Kerr, a mother of two and Educational Consultant with Usborne books, who sells books at GreatFunBooks.com.
    
“The readers were very excited about both the reading and the books they are giving,” says Alison. “Every child met or exceeded their goal. One reader incorporated volunteer reading time with young children and with a house-bound elderly neighbor. Another reader wanted to give the contents of his piggy bank.”
    
The readers, who ranged in age from 4 to 14, visited Operation Breakthrough to present the books and to receive certificates and prizes from Alison in recognition of their efforts. They also shared frozen treats with some of the Operation Breakthrough children.
    
The new books are headed for the Center’s classrooms, to help our school-age children sharpen their reading skills this summer.
     
“I’d like to thank everyone who encouraged the readers and contributed in support of Operation Breakthrough,” says Alison. “These kids did an amazing thing.”