The Region A Partnership for Children — which serves the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina — has recently received and distributed 1,500 childrens books through the First Book initiative.

The distribution was a result of First Book’s participation in the annual Make a Difference Day program, sponsored by USA Weekend magazine in partnership with the Points of Life Foundation. Make a Difference Day is the nation’s largest day of volunteering, with more than 2 million individuals participating each year.

“We are pleased to have been a part of this wonderful program to provide books free of charge to children throughout Region A. The opportunity for children to own their first new books and to have parents spend quality time exploring books with them is very significant,” said Region A Partnership Executive Director June T. Smith. “Programs such as First Book are vital to our efforts of ensuring that children arrive at school healthy and prepared to succeed.”

Region A Partnership distributed the free books to children in childcare centers and homes, Head Start centers, family resource centers and other programs that serve Young children.

“This is the second consecutive year that the Region A Partnership for Children has been selected to participate in the First-Book Program, and we look forward to continuing our involvement,” stated Smith.

The Region A Partnership for Children was incorporated in the spring of 1994 to administer North Carolina’s Smart Start initiative in the seven westernmost counties of the state and on the Qualla Boundary. These counties include Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Clay, and Graham. For more information contact Vance Davidson st 828.586.0661 or vance.regional@verison.net