At the Dec. 16 Wake County Board meeting, Wake Up and Read and a local nonprofit presented programs aimed at improving early literacy and addressing meal gaps for students who fall outside free- or reduced-price eligibility.

Dr. Shanika Moore Brown and Marissa Smith described Wake Up and Read’s work to ensure students in pre-K through third grade receive books and family literacy support. The program now partners with 27 schools and 18 child development centers, runs an annual 'Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader' book drive (Jan. 12–Feb. 20) and aims to give each partner-student five new books. Marissa Smith noted the program’s family-engagement work and multi-language text supports available via the 'Parent Powered' platform.

Roxy Cash introduced EK Simmons, founder of 4 Children Partners, who described an 'angel fund' that covers school meals for students who do not qualify for federal programs. Simmons said the nonprofit has donated $35,000 to Child Nutrition Services this year and committed $44,000 to Forest Pines Elementary to help that school participate in the Community Eligibility Provision. Simmons said: "I believe that every child in Wake County deserves a meal." Board members thanked the presenters and discussed opportunities to partner further; one board member said the district and community partners will need to plan for potential budget constraints next year.

How to help: Wake Up and Read’s book drive runs Jan. 12–Feb. 20; donations of new books can be dropped at the Wake Up and Read office (1820 Capitol Boulevard) and partner drop-off sites including the Southeast Raleigh YMCA and Wake County Public Libraries.