Getting books into the hands of young children is vital to early learning and child development. That’s why United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) J. Mason Davis Leadership Society (JMDLS) partners with United Way’s Success By 6 program every year in a special effort designed to expand opportunities for children to learn.
The annual “Book Bagging” event is a volunteer-driven initiative that facilitates the distribution of age-appropriate books to local children in preparation for school.
JMDLS is a donor network that brings together African American leaders committed to expanding opportunity in Central Alabama, so participation in efforts such as this is a natural for members.
During the event, held in early December, volunteers assembled 550 book bags, each containing five items selected to support kindergarten readiness. The bags included a school-readiness calendar, multiple books covering a range of topics, and family resources. In total, approximately 2,750 books were distributed to local families.
“Early learning shapes everything that comes after,” said Ladye Franklin, Success By 6’s School Readiness Specialist. “When children are confident walking into kindergarten, they are better prepared to succeed. That is why partnerships like this matter so much.”
Since 2003, UWCA’s Success By 6 program has been helping children enter kindergarten ready to learn. The initiative strengthens Pre-K classrooms, provides professional development for educators, expands access to books and learning materials, and supports parents as children’s first teachers. With nearly 90% of brain development occurring in the first five years of life, early exposure to books and language plays a critical role in long-term success.
Support That Shows Up in Classrooms
For JMDLS members, the focus on early education reflects shared priorities on long-term impact.
“This cause matters to me because education is the foundation for opportunity,” said Traci Chapman, JMDLS member and Individual Giving Officer at United Way. “Providing students with the tools they need isn’t just about supplies. It’s about confidence and hope for the future.”
That commitment extends beyond financial support. Throughout the year, JMDLS members volunteer in classrooms and read with students, reinforcing the role literacy plays as children progress through school.
“The Book Bagging event was a fantastic experience and truly reflects JMDLS’s mission of bringing people together to make a real difference,” said Ike Mathews of Spire Energy and a member of the JMDLS Steering Committee. “Seeing so many volunteers working side by side was inspiring.”
Helping Kids Get a Strong Start
Through efforts such as this, JMDLS and UWCA continue to strengthen early childhood education across Central Alabama — starting with access to books and the adults who show up to help children use them.
To learn more about the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society, click here.