Congratulations Bookworms! Your school just made the best decision they’ll make all year by purchasing Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine! That is really exciting news that’s bound to put a big, cheerful smile on your face. Let’s face it, funding your school’s brand new book vending machine can be a challenge. But we’re here to help! We’ve been with schools through pizza fundraisers, local sponsorships, ESSER funds, and PTA/PTO fundraising drives. But have you considered working with a foundation or club, like Dollar General Grants?
Here’s a success story from Lauderdale County:
📚 Turning Dollars into Reading Adventures: Dollar General Grant Powers Book Vending at Northeast Elementary
Northeast Elementary School has hit the jackpot, thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and their fabulous grant program. What’s the scoop, you ask? Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into a heartwarming story of how a vending machine, some passionate educators, and a dash of Dollar General magic are turning young minds into voracious readers.
The Power of the Dollar General Grant
Picture this: a vending machine filled not with chips and candy bars, but with books! That’s exactly what’s happening at Northeast Elementary School, and it’s all thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. They waved their magic wand (okay, it was more like a checkbook) and granted Northeast Elementary a whopping $3,500 through their youth literacy grant program.
Anita Wansley, the school’s Principal, is beaming with excitement. In an online video, She shares that these funds are a game-changer for the school’s reading program, and she has a remarkable librarian, Angela Grace, to thank for it. Angela, the fearless book-vending advocate, put on her grant-writing hat and struck gold. Her mission? To keep the book vending machine running and encourage students to dive into the magical world of reading.
Incentivizing Reading Adventures
Now, you might be wondering what’s so special about this vending machine. Well, it’s not your ordinary vending machine. This one dispenses knowledge and adventures! It all started about two years ago when the school decided to purchase a book vending machine as part of their Lexia reading enrichment program. When students level up two times in Lexia, they earn a golden ticket to the vending machine. There, they get to choose a book of their choice—a sweet reward for their hard work.
Principal Wansley sums it up perfectly: “When they level up two times, they get a pass to come to the book vending machine and choose the book that they want out of that vending machine.” Talk about motivation to hit those reading goals!
Dollar General’s Reach
But here’s the best part: the Dollar General Literacy Foundation doesn’t just sprinkle their grant money everywhere. They’ve got a generous rule—they award grants to any school, library, or non-profit organization within 15 miles of a Dollar General Store. That’s right; Dollar General isn’t just your one-stop-shop for snacks and essentials; they’re also championing literacy and education in communities all around the country.
The Joy of Book Vending
Now, let’s hear it from the real MVP, librarian Angela Grace. She’s seen it all—kids amazed by the vending machine’s “book magic” and their wide-eyed expressions when they realize it actually works. It’s not just about the books; it’s about the whole experience. Angela says, “They love to push the buttons on it and watch the book fall, and then the machine tells them, ‘Keep up the good work.’ It kind of gives them encouragement to keep going.”
Isn’t that just adorable? Imagine the sheer joy on a child’s face when a vending machine dispenses a thrilling adventure or a heartwarming tale.
A Round of Applause
In a world that sometimes seems obsessed with gadgets and gizmos, it’s refreshing to see educators and organizations like Dollar General remind us of the simple pleasures in life—like the joy of a good book. So, let’s give a round of applause to Northeast Elementary School, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and all the bookworms who are making reading an adventure that every child can enjoy.
Remember, folks, reading is a superpower that can take you anywhere. And thanks to Dollar General Grants and the fantastic book vending machine at Northeast Elementary, these kids are embarking on incredible adventures, one page at a time. 📖✨