Thanks to Martin Cooper and his Cooper Reading Challenge, 260 children from the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley received $25 each to buy books this holiday season. The club selects the youngsters who will receive books, based on reading books at the club and writing a book review. This week the elementary and high-school students visited Barnes & Noble in Calabasas and were able to purchase books of their choice. Many of them bought gifts for their siblings or parents, and one little boy bought a bible for his grandmother.
Cooper initiated and funded the initial challenge 18 years ago. Individual donors are asked each year to donate at least $25 to support the effort. Major sponsors include Martin & Barbara Cooper, SoCal Gas, Valley News Group, Councilmember Bob Blummenfield, Councilmember John Lee, Joint Matters and Barnes & Noble.
“ This program isn’t about fundraising; it’s about teaching children to love and to value books and reading. Providing opportunities to read for fun and personal interest can illuminate the world for them,” said Cooper. Shown with Cooper above is Boys & Girls Club CEO Geovanny Ragsdale.
