The Rotary Club of Santa Clarita is opening the next chapter in their continued community service to the city with a book donation to the Saugus Union School District.

On May 2, Rotary Club President Barry Gribbons will deliver over 200 books to Michelle Morse, Director of Child Development Programs, at Rio Vista Elementary.

Mary Ann Colf, Community Service Chair for the Santa Clarita Rotary, organized the book drive.

“The members of our club just really rallied behind this and we got over 250 books. Many new. A lot used. But in good condition,” Colf said.

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The books they collected were appropriate for children of pre-school age all the way up to sixth grade.

Colf, a practicing psychotherapist, says getting children to read is crucial. She told KHTS, “If a child cannot read by the third grade or age nine it’s an 80% likelihood he or she will not graduate from high school.”

Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.

For information on their charitable works or becoming a member go here.

Or, Colf suggests dropping by for one of the Wednesday meetings at Marie Callender’s at noon on The Old Road and Magic Mountain Parkway.