ATLANTA — Children, families and educators at more than 560 Primrose Schools locations across the United States have donated more than 109,000 books to children and organizations in need through the annual Og’s Bountiful Book Drive, according to a March 11 press release from Primrose Schools.
The nationwide service-learning initiative aims to address early literacy gaps while encouraging young children to practice generosity and community service.
The book drive invites Primrose students and their families to collect new and gently used books and donate them to local charities, schools and community organizations that support children who may not have access to reading materials at home. By combining education with service, the initiative seeks to strengthen both literacy development and empathy among young learners.
Programs like the book drive reflect a growing recognition that access to books during early childhood plays a critical role in language development, school readiness and long-term academic success. Community partnerships formed through the initiative also help ensure that donated books reach families who need them most.
Through the effort, children not only contribute to improving literacy outcomes but also experience the value of helping others firsthand — a lesson educators say can shape how they approach their communities throughout life.
Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude, said efforts that introduce compassion early in life can help build stronger communities. “When children learn that their actions can bring hope and opportunity to someone else, they begin to understand the power of living from the heart,” Petillo said. “Small acts of generosity, like sharing a book, can open doors not only to learning but also to empathy and human connection.”