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Partnering to Rebuild Houston School Library

Reading Is Fundamental partnered with community volunteers, NBA Cares, State Farm and the Chris Paul Family Foundation to create literacy impact, wrapping up RIF’s National Reading Month activities. RIF was honored to rebuild and open the hurricane-damaged library at C.E. King Middle School in Houston, TX as part of an ongoing effort to support communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The partnership kicked off last year with a community book drive, a donation of Chromebooks for the library and a basketball clinic for students led by Houston Rockets superstars Chris Paul and James Harden.

RIF teamed up with community and corporate partners to provide 6,000 books, new library furniture, bookshelves, and technology to benefit the students. A local artist designed and painted an inspirational mural in the library to commemorate the strength of the Houston community. Local volunteers worked alongside RIF and NBA staff to assemble furniture, place bookplates in each book, and organize book shelves.

“At a time when families have experienced such trauma and upheaval, books can offer a sense of normalcy and comfort,” says RIF Senior Director of Government Relations & Community Outreach Jennifer Moone. “Helping families impacted by the storm to feel supported and connected through reading is key to this initiative.”

NBA Cares simultaneously hosted a basketball clinic for 60 C.E. King Middle School students who had exhibited positive behavior during difficult circumstances the community faced this year. The clinic, a surprise to the basketball-loving middle schoolers, included a visit from the Houston Rockets point guard and philanthropist Chris Paul. RIF is proud to be part of hurricane recovery efforts and to be partnered with corporate and community partners who are committed to creating local literacy impact.