GA elementary school collecting books for every student

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - A Gainesville, Georgia elementary school needs help collecting books for students before school lets out for summer on Wednesday. 

Riverbend Elementary School has 400 students in grades K-5, and Principal Donna Wiggins wants every single student to go home with five free books this summer to help improve their reading skills. 

"We, at Riverbend Elementary School, are committed to raising readers. This summer reading campaign allows us to engage families and reach our community," Wiggins told FOX 5. "We desire for our families to use books in the home for both shared and independent reading opportunities.  Reading of any kind is the key.  Get kids reading and keep them reading--all year long!"

Wiggins recently told local blogger Bethany Armstrong, of BookReview Mama, there is a lot to be gained from holding a physical book versus a digital one, which is why they want students to each take home five books. 

Armstrong said it's clear Principal Wiggins is very passionate about about reading and encouraging kids to be readers. 

So far, educators at Riverbend have collected enough books for each child to take home one, so they're coming up short of their overall goal. 

If you would like to donate books, the school is asking that you drop them off or ship them to the following address:

The final day of school is this Wednesday, May 24. 

"We are cognizant of the research showing the direct correlation between the number of books in the home and the child’s future success.  That is why our team here is so committed to this cause.  This new venture gives our families and our students a gift," said Principal Wiggins. "One that can be theirs as they start a home library/book collection and helps their families to value education."