Nonprofit Donates 1,000 Comics
Online, February 1, 2012 (Newswire.com) - LOOKUP ANNOUNCES DONATION OF COMIC BOOKS TO OVER 1,000 NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS IN THREE STATES
PHOENIX, ARIZONA- LookUp, a newly founded nonprofit dedicated to increasing literacy in low-income schools through the donation of comic books, announced today that it will donate a total of over one thousand comic books to seven schools in three states. Every 4th and 5th grader at the following schools will receive a comic book featuring a well-known superhero:
• Bug O Nay Ge Shig School (Bena, Minnesota)
• JKL Bahweting Anishnabe School (Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan)
• Canyon De Chelly Elementary School (Chinle, Arizona)
• Chinle Elemenary School (Chinle, Arizona)
• Many Farms Public School (Many Farms, Arizona)
• Mesa View Elementary School (Mesa View, Arizona)
• Tsaile Public School (Tsaile, Arizona)
"None of the schools in the Chinle Unified School District have libraries at this time, nor do we have a public library," said LaRita Chapman, a teacher at Mesa View Elementary School. "These comics will make a big difference for our students." Charlene Gray, Reading Coach at Bug O Nay Ge Shig School, says, "Our students have limited access to materials for leisure reading and we are thrilled to receive this donation."
While comic books help generate enthusiasm for reading, increase text comprehension, and enhance critical thinking skills, there is another aspect of comic book readership that is just as important. "When you grow up in a difficult economic environment, it takes an incredible amount of belief in yourself to rise above your circumstances and become something more," says Dustin McKissen, Executive Director of LookUp. "All too often that belief must be self-generated. Seeing the dedication and commitment exhibited by the superheroes featured in comic books can help instill that belief and sense of purpose in young readers."
LookUp is just beginning our outreach to schools. If you are interested in learning more please contact Dustin McKissen, Executive Director, at (602) 432-1025, or dmckissen@lookupcomics.org.