Kumon’s Book Drive Supports Literacy Programs in U.S., Canada and Mexico

Kumon North America’s annual book drive collected nearly 36,000 books from its locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The donations directly helped children affected by the Hawaii wildfires, the Ronald McDonald House, local schools and more.

The annual book drive is a way for Kumon’s instructors to help support literacy programs, children and families.

“Reading is the foundation of knowledge and gives young people the tools to go into the world and build more equitable societies,” said Kumon North America’s Communication & Events Specialist Danielle Sabbagh. “Each of our associates and franchise owners who participated in the Kumon Book Drive played a role in making books more accessible and helped to promote literacy in our communities.”

The instructors designated local organizations that provide resources to families – such as children’s hospitals and library fundraising groups – to receive the books. Some examples include:

• The Kumon of Makiki Heights Center collected nearly 400 books that were donated to the Princess Nahienaena Elementary School in Lahaina to help children affected by the fires last year.

• The Kumon Math and Reading Center of Edwardsville, Illinois, collected and donated about 750 books to the nearby Belle Valley Elementary School.

• The Kumon Math and Reading Center of Sherwood Park-Central in Canada donated more than 100 books to the Ronald McDonald House in Alberta.

• Kumon’s corporate team donated about 3,000 books to New Jersey-based Book Smiles.

Kumon is committed to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, reduced inequalities and responsible consumption and production. According to UNESCO, 763 million children and adults worldwide are unable to read or write.