Book drive supports The Family Tree Center

Few children learn to love books by themselves…someone has to show them the way. –Orville Prescott

Reading with our children is something that we can do from the moment they’re born. Within the pages of books there are adventures waiting to be discovered, and as parents, it’s our privilege to open the door to that world of imagination and learning. Pediatrician, Dr. Shannon Yonts, says the first five years of life is a critical window for learning, “When parents read to their children, there are connections that are formed in their brains. These connections are important in the development of language, literacy, and social skills.”

The time that parents carve out to snuggle with their children, exploring words and pictures and growing their imaginations is priceless. It’s a special opportunity to bond and build bridges. The Family Tree Center, a non-profit organization in Billings whose mission is to prevent all types of child abuse and neglect by offering programs and services that support and strengthen parents and children, is hoping to provide books to the families they work with, but they need our help.

The Book Drive

Michelle Breum and Kathy Baumann (FTC Family Advocate), along with Usborne Books & More have put together a Book Drive and Book Fair to help The Family Tree Center purchase children’s books. The purchases you make during the Usborne Books & More Book Fair will result in Usborne Books & More donating 50% of your purchases in free books to The Family Tree Center!

If you’re not able to make the physical book drive, you can still give back by participating in the online fundraiser, set up with YouCaring. Same deal here, Usborne Books & More will give 50% of all purchases back in free books to the Family Tree Center.

Putting the books to work:

• Home Visiting staff are hoping to bring books to each visit, helping families build a home library. They look forward to showing the importance of reading with children.
• Respite Care staff are excited to have books for children to explore – both to read to them while in their care and to send books home with families. 
• Parenting Class participants would receive books to take home and read with their children.