First Book is an international nonprofit organization witha single mission:  to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.  First Book has distributed more than 46 million new books to children in need in hundreds of communities nationwide.  You can learn more about First Books at www.firstbooks.org.

Volunteers will be asked to assist with distribution of the books through the following jobs:

Lift and carry boxes of books

Load books into vehicles

Unpack and sort books

Greet recipient groups/children

Work one-to-one with children (ages 6-8 years) with reading, etc.

We ask that you wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dirty.  Since this is an outdoor event, please be sure to dress appropriately for inclement weather.  We will provide an event shirt when you arrive.

National media will be on-site that morning filming the event.  Knowing this, we ask for your utmost support and flexibility.

DATE:  Saturday, October 28, 2006

TIME:  7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION:  South Street Seaport, Fulton & South Streets, New York, NY, 10038

NOTE:  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS

CONTACT:  Kevin Markham  (866)393-1222 or by e-mail kmarkham@firstbooks.org

All of the books will go to children of low-income families - and for some, these may be their first new books.  By volunteering, you will not just be fighting illiteracy, but truly making strides to end it.  Thank you for your support!