Delta Academy youth propose book-and-care kits for preschoolers at local schools

Zoe Lewis and members of the Doctor Betty Shabazz Delta Academy told the YNAB board they plan the Rose Book Drive to encourage early childhood literacy by assembling kits containing two books, a fleece blanket, a snack, a fidget toy and a stuffed animal for preschool-aged children.

Presenters said the total project budget is approximately $2,000 (books $1,300; blankets $360; snacks $63; fidget toys $35; drawstring bags $100; stuffed animals $142) and that the group will pledge about 111 volunteer hours to purchase, sort and assemble kits. They said kits will be distributed to preschoolers who attend Helen Tolan and Kermit Booker elementary schools beginning in February 2026; the project timeline calls for promotion in March, assembly in April and photo reporting in May 2026. When board members asked whether all packs would contain the same books, presenters said they had selected multiple titles and that packs would generally contain two books but could vary.

Board members suggested the group consider reading to children and tracking outcomes to support future applications; presenters agreed such activities would be beneficial and said they could incorporate reading into outreach if they have capacity. The YNAB board will forward recommendations to City Council on Feb. 4, 2026 after deliberation.