DPSS INSPIRES YOUTH WITH BOOK GIVEAWAY HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA INITIATIVE
Scheduled in conjunction with the National Education Association’s annual Read Across America Initiative to encourage reading, the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Social Services (DPSS) and Workforce Development Aging and Community Services (WADAC) partnered to host a Drive-Thru Book Giveaway at the Potrero Heights Park Community Center in Montebello CA.
The book giveaway was part of an ongoing effort by the DPSS Toy Loan Program to reward and inspire students participating in the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-hour event provided 300 toys and 230 books to 77 children registered in the program.
Serving approximately 30,000 children annually at over 50 centers throughout the county, the DPSS Toy Loan Program has developed a well-earned reputation as the largest and most successful free toy-lending library program in the nation. With toy libraries operating at limited capacity, the program has had to be more creative during the ongoing pandemic.
“Our department recognizes the increasing support that children need during this challenging time and want to ensure they are prepared with the tools necessary for a successful school year,” said DPSS Director Antonia Jiménez. The director was joined by acting Deputy Director Nick Ippolito, who helped hand out books to the youth participants.
Families were contacted in advance by their local Toyrarian, who operates the Toy Library located in the Potrero Heights Park Community. In order to reduce exposure due to the pandemic, families remained in their vehicles and had their books safely placed in their trunks by Toy Loan staff.
For more information about the Toy Loan Program, visit: https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/
