FONTANA, CA – Almond Elementary School students and community members are benefitting from a donation of more than 400 books on behalf of the National Charity League (NCL), Foothill Chapter in recognition of the school’s dedication to fostering literacy among students.

The NCL Foothill Chapter, with roots in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley, chose Almond Elementary School for the donation to boost its Little Library initiative. Almond Elementary librarian technician Narallely Bonilla brought the program to the school in January to help inspire a love of reading by encouraging students to “take a book and share a book.”

“These books represent more than just pages bound together; they symbolize a community coming together to support education and literacy,” Almond Elementary School Principal Tim McCaffrey said. “Each book holds the potential to spark imagination, curiosity, and a love for reading in the hearts of our students and community members alike. We are profoundly touched by this act of kindness and are excited to share these literary treasures with our school and neighborhood.”

NCL donated the collection of new and used books as part of the National Day of Service, formalized by Congress in 1994 in honor of human rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy. More than 140 NCL chapters participate in the observance each year.

Almond Elementary launched the second Little Library in its community on April 9, and plans are underway to establish up to eight additional libraries in the surrounding neighborhood. The school’s program aligns with the District’s mission to equip young learners with the necessary tools for personal and academic growth, emphasizing the transformative power of literature in shaping young minds.

“In today’s current digital world, we hope these books — classic favorites and new alike – bring back a love for reading for the students of Almond Elementary, as well as inspire others to share their love for reading,” NCL Foothill Chapter Vice President of Philanthropy Alethea Hatch said.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_BOOKS1: National Charity League (NCL), Foothill Chapter members and Fontana Unified School District Senior Director of Marketing, Communication, and Engagement Clarissa Trejo (middle) and her daughter (left) dropped off a donation of more than 400 books to Almond Elementary School Principal Tim McCaffrey.

FUSD_BOOKS2: Almond Elementary School second-grader Damien Valladares read a book in his school’s library. Almond Elementary received a donation of more than 400 books from the National Charity League (NCL), Foothill Chapter to boost the school’s Little Library initiative, which is designed to inspire a love of reading among its students and community.